Abstract: Recombinant proteins have been developed for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii oocyst proteins for example in biological fluids. Isolated DNA sequences which encode these proteins have also been developed. The DNA sequences may be inserted into recombinant DNA molecules such as cloning vectors or expression vectors for the transformation of cells and the production of the proteins.

Abstract: Recombinant proteins have been developed for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii oocyst proteins for example in biological fluids. Isolated DNA sequences which encode these proteins have also been developed. The DNA sequences may be inserted into recombinant DNA molecules such as cloning vectors or expression vectors for the transformation of cells and the production of the proteins.

Abstract: Recombinant proteins have been developed for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii oocyst proteins for example in biological fluids. Isolated DNA sequences which encode these proteins have also been developed. The DNA sequences may be inserted into recombinant DNA molecules such as cloning vectors or expression vectors for the transformation of cells and the production of the proteins.

Abstract: Recombinant proteins have been developed for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii oocyst proteins for example in biological fluids. Isolated DNA sequences which encode these proteins have also been developed. The DNA sequences may be inserted into recombinant DNA molecules such as cloning vectors or expression vectors for the transformation of cells and the production of the proteins.

Abstract: The antimicrobial activity of bovine bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (bBPI)-derived synthetic peptides against mastitis-causing Gram-negative bacteria was evaluated. Three peptides were synthesized with sequences corresponding to amino acids 65-99 (bBPI65-99), 142-169 (bBPI142-169), or the combination of amino acids 90-99 and 148-161 (bBPI90-99,148-161) of bBPI. The bBPI90-99,148-161 peptide demonstrated the widest spectrum of antimicrobial activity, with minimum inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) concentration values ranging from 16-64 ?g/ml against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter spp, and 64-128 ?g/ml against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. None of the peptides exhibited any growth inhibitory effect on Serratia marcescens. The antimicrobial activity of bBPI90-99,148-161 was inhibited in milk, but preserved in serum. Finally, both bBPI142-169 and bBPI90-99,148-161 were demonstrated to completely neutralize LPS.

Abstract: Studies in mice and humans indicate that membrane CD14 (mCD14) on the cell surface of monocytes, macrophages, and PMN mediates the activation of these cells by LPS. The soluble CD14 (sCD14) present in the circulation also binds to LPS and blocks LPS binding to mCD14. To determine the role of a recombinant bovine soluble CD14 polypeptide in cellular activation by LPS, a recombinant bovine soluble CD14 polypeptide, rbosCD14, was cloned and expressed in a baculovirus expression system. Results indicated that rbosCD14 inhibited the LPS-induced increase in CD18 expression and TNF? mRNA in vitro and reduced mortality in mice injected with LPS. Further, rbosCD14 sensitized mammary epithelial cells to low concentrations of LPS resulting in recruitment of white blood cells and prevention of LPS-induced infection.

Abstract: Studies in mice and humans indicate that membrane CD14 (mCD14) on the cell surface of monocytes, macrophages, and PMN mediates the activation of these cells by LPS. The soluble CD14 (sCD14) present in the circulation also binds to LPS and blocks LPS binding to mCD14. To determine the role of a recombinant bovine soluble CD14 polypeptide in cellular activation by LPS, a recombinant bovine soluble CD14 polypeptide, rbosCD14, was cloned and expressed in a baculovirus expression system. Results indicated that rbosCD14 inhibited the LPS-induced increase in CD18 expression and TNF? mRNA in vitro and reduced mortality in mice injected with LPS. Further, rbosCD14 sensitized mammary epithelial cells to low concentrations of LPS resulting in recruitment of white blood cells and prevention of LPS-induced infection.

Abstract: Studies in mice and humans indicate that membrane CD14 (mCD14) on the cell surface of monocytes, macrophages, and PMN mediates the activation of these cells by LPS. The soluble CD14 (sCD14) present in the circulation also binds to LPS and blocks LPS binding to mCD14. To determine the role of a recombinant bovine soluble CD14 polypeptide in cellular activation by LPS, a recombinant bovine soluble CD14 polypeptide, rbosCD14, was cloned and expressed in a baculovirus expression system. Results indicated that rbosCD14 inhibited the LPS-induced increase in CD18 expression and TNF? mRNA in vitro and reduced mortality in mice injected with LPS. Further, rbosCD14 sensitized mammary epithelial cells to low concentrations of LPS resulting in recruitment of white blood cells and prevention of LPS-induced infection.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide primer sequences have been designed which are capable of uniquely amplifying DNA from Toxoplasma gondii when utilized in a polymerase chain reaction assay. In addition, a probe effective for detection of amplification products, particularly in a fluorogenic real time assay system has also been designed. The primers and probe are derived from the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region of the T. gondii 18S rRNA gene.

Abstract: Disclosed are DNA sequences which encode an amino acid sequence homologous to a segment of Trichinella spiralis 53 kilodalton excretory-secretory antigen, recombinant polynucleotide molecules containing the sequences, and transfer and replication of the sequences in a transformed host to produce antigens useful as immunodiagnostic reagents or vaccines specific for T. spiralis.