Abstract: The isolation and characterization of a novel staphylococcal enterotoxin designated SEH is described. A process for high-yield generation of substantially pure SEH and antibodies specific thereto is described, as is construction of an immunoassay for detection and quantification of SEH within a sample.

Abstract: Peptide sequence capable of initiating delayed hypersensitivity reactions of different intensity in the presence of living bacteria as opposed to dead bacteria of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The sequence is characterized in that it comprises no more than 0.5% by weight of tyrosine, phenylalanine, methionine, histidine, arginine and cysteine amino acids. The invention also concerns the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of a peptide or protein comprising said sequence.

Abstract: Utility of protein phosphatase inhibitors to protect teleost fish from microorganismic pathogens is disclosed. The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions, kits, and methods of therapeutic and prophylactic treatments comprising sodium orthovanadate or vanadate-mimetic protein phosphatase inhibitors to protect fish, for example, catfish, from infection and disease caused by microorganismic pathogens, e.g., Edwardsiella. Sodium orthovanadate, a protein phosphatase inhibitor, and vanadate-mimetic protein phosphatase inhibitors activate in vitro and in vivo the cytotoxicity of teleost nonspecific cytotoxic cells (NCC).

Abstract: An assay to confirm the presence of antibodies to T. cruzi in a test sample. The assay comprises detecting the presence of antibody to three T. cruzi antigens, Gp 90, Gp 60/50 and LPPG in a test sample. The presence of antibody in the test sample to at least two of three T. cruzi antibodies is indicative of a confirmed reactive sample. Also provided are diagnostic reagents for detection of T. cruz, a process for purifying GP 60/50, a process for linking a protein and LPPG, and diagnostic test kits for use when assaying for antibodies to T. cruzi.

Abstract: A particulate carrier for an agent comprising a solid core of a polysaccharide and a proteinaceous material and an organometallic polymer bonded to the core is provided. The agent has a biological activity, such as immunogenicity, and may comprise the proteinaceous material or be a separate component of the core. Polysaccharide cores include dextran, starch, cellulose and derivatives thereof and the organometallic polymer includes silicones including substituted silicones. The particulate carriers are useful for delivering agents to the immune system of a subject by mucosal or parenteral administration to produce immune responses, including antibody responses.

Abstract: The present invention is a physiologically active, substantially non-immunogenic water soluble polyethylene glycol protein conjugate having the same utility as the protein which forms the conjugate, without having the same properties of producing an immunogenic response possessed by the protein which forms this conjugate.

Abstract: The present invention comprises adjuvants which, when admixed with an antigen and administered into a human or animal, will induce a more intense immune response to the antigen than when the antigen is administered alone. In many cases, the adjuvant that is described as the present invention will increase overall titer of antibodies of a specific isotype which are specific for the antigen. For example, in mice, when the adjuvant of the present invention is admixed with a conventional antigen, the isotype that is induced in the mouse is changed from a predominantly IgG1 isotype to the more protective IgG2 isotype and, in some cases, IgG3 isotype. Thus, by practicing the present invention, one can improve the overall protective effect of conventional vaccines.

Abstract: Compositions, immunoassay methods, and kits are provided for detecting antibodies specific for oxidized DNA bases, including diagnosis of inflammatory diseases and related conditions, as well as monitoring of the progress or therapy of such diseases and conditions.