Abstract: A method for in vivo down-regulation of amyloid protein in an animal, including a human being, the method comprising effecting presentation to the animal's immune system of an immunogenically effective amount of at least one amyloidogenic polypeptide or subsequence thereof which has been formulated so that immunization of the animal with the amyloidgenic polypeptide or subsequence thereof induces production of antibodies against the amyloidogenic polypeptide, and/or at least one analogue of the amyloidogenic polypeptide wherein is introduced at least one modification in the amino acid sequence of the amyloidogenic polypeptide which has as a result the immunization of the animal with the analogue induces production of antibodies against the amyloidogenic polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel method for purification of EGFR family proteins obtained from cultures of insect cells. The process comprises subsequent steps of a) diafiltration and exchange of culture medium with buffer, b) immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC), c) size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and d) anion exchange chromatography (AIE). The method also provides for an immunogenic variant of HER-2 protein which for which the purification process has been especially adapted, as well as means for the preparation of the variant.

Abstract: The isolation and function of a plant LpTFL1 from Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass) are described, along with generation of transgenic Arabidopsis ryegrass, and red fescue plants. Thc gene prevents or represses flowering of transgenic plants. Methods for using the gene to repress or prevent flowering are described.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for inducing cell-mediated immunity against cellular antigens. More specifically, the invention provides for a method for inducing cytotoxic T-lymphocyte immunity against weak antigens, notably self-proteins. The method entails that antigen presenting cells are induced to present at least one CTL epitope of the weak antigen and at the same time presenting at least one foreign T-helper lymphocyte epitope. In a preferred embodiment, the antigen is a cancer specific antigen, e.g. PSM, Her2, or FGF8b. The method can be exercised by using traditional polypeptide vaccination, but also by using live attenuated vaccines or nucleic acid vaccination. The invention furthermore provides immunogenic analogues of PSM, Her2 and FGF8b, as well as nucleic acid molecules encoding these analogues. Also vectors and transformed cells are disclosed. The invention also provides for a method for identification of immunogenic analogues of weak or non-immunogenic antigens.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel methods for combatting diseases characterized by deposition of amyloid. The methods generally rely on immunization against amyloid precursor protien (APP) or beta amyloid (A?). Immunization is preferably effected by administration of analogues of autologous APP or A?, said analogues being capable of inducing antibody production against the autologous amyloidogenic polypeptides. Especially preferred as an immunogen is autologous A? which has been modified by introduction of one single or a few foreign, immunodominant and promiscuous T-cell epitopes. Also disclosed are nucleic acid vaccination against APP or A? and vaccination using live vaccines as well as methods and means useful for the vaccination. Such methods and means include methods for the preparation of analogues and pharmaceutical formulations, as well as nucleic acid fragments, vectors, transformed cells, polypeptides and pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: A method of improving the indoor air quality in a building comprising at least partially inactivating fungal mycelia and spores associated with a building material surface by applying onto the surface thermal energy initially contained in water vapour at a pressure exceeding 1 bar, in an amount which is sufficient to at least partially inactivate said fungal mycelia and spores but essentially without causing damages to the surface material.

Abstract: Permanent infection of a cell line such as a canine thymus cell line with a retrovirus such as equine infectious anemia virus and bovine Maedi-Visna-like virus is now possible. By culturing such an infected cell line under appropriate conditions, it is now possible to produce large quantities of viral antigens on a continuous basis. Such antigens are useful in for diagnostics and research.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for discriminating between cattle vaccinated against and those infected with Brucella spp. The method involves immunoassay using a purified polysaccharide containing 4,6-dideoxy-4-acylamido-D-mannopyranosyl units obtained from B. abortus or from cross-reacting organisms, and results in improved differentiation between vaccinated and infected animals. Test kits are also disclosed for performing the assay and a process is disclosed for obtaining the O-chain polysaccharides in high purity and yield.