Abstract: The present invention relates to allelic variants of the human Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-6 (STAT6) gene and provides primers and methods suitable for the detection of these allelic variants for applications such as molecular diagnosis, prediction of an individual's disease susceptibility, and /or the genetic analysis of the STAT6 gene in a population. Specifically, the invention provides a method for detection of predisposition to atopic disorders/other immunological disorders such as, autoimmune disorders, inflammatory disorders, fibrosis, etc. where STAT6 plays an important role by screening for human Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-6 (STAT 6) gene variants.

Abstract: A novel Fasciclin Related Adhesive Protein (FRAP) from Plasmodium and related parasites is provided as a target for therapeutic intervention in diseases caused by the parasites. FRAP has been shown to play a critical role in adhesion to, or invasion into, host cells by the parasite. Furthermore, FRAP catalyzes the neutralization of heme by the parasite, by promoting its polymerization into hemozoin. This invention provides methods and compositions for therapies based on the administration of protein, DNA or cell-based vaccines and/or antibodies based on FRAP, or antigenic epitopes of FRAP, either alone or in combination with other parasite antigens. Methods for the development of compounds that inhibit the catalytic activity of FRAP, and diagnostic and laboratory methods utilizing FRAP are also provided.

Abstract: A novel Hemozoin Detoxification Protein (HDP) from Plasmodium and related parasites is provided as a target for therapeutic intervention in diseases caused by the parasites. HDP has been shown to play a critical role in adhesion to, or invasion into, host cells by the parasite. Furthermore, HDP catalyzes the neutralization of heme by the parasite, by promoting its polymerization into hemozoin. This invention provides methods and compositions for therapies based on the administration of protein, DNA or cell-based vaccines and/or antibodies based on HDP, or antigenic epitopes of HDP, either alone or in combination with other parasite antigens. Methods for the development and use of compounds that inhibit the catalytic activity of HDP, and diagnostic and laboratory methods utilizing HDP are also provided. HDP is also referred to herein as Fasciclin Related Adhesive Protein (FRAP).

Abstract: A novel Fasciclin Related Adhesive Protein (FRAP) from Plasmodium and related parasites is provided as a target for therapeutic intervention in diseases caused by the parasites. FRAP has been shown to play a critical role in adhesion to, or invasion into, host cells by the parasite. Furthermore, FRAP catalyzes the neutralization of heme by the parasite, by promoting its polymerization into hemozoin. This invention provides methods and compositions for therapies based on the administration of protein, DNA or cell-based vaccines and/or antibodies based on FRAP, or antigenic epitopes of FRAP, either alone or in combination with other parasite antigens. Methods for the development of compounds that inhibit the catalytic activity of FRAP, and diagnostic and laboratory methods utilizing FRAP are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to allelic variants of the human Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-6 (STAT6) gene and provides primers and methods suitable for the detection of these allelic variants for applications such as molecular diagnosis, prediction of an individual's disease susceptibility, and /or the genetic analysis of the STAT6 gene in a population. Specifically, the invention provides a method for detection of predisposition to atopic disorders/other immunological disorders such as, autoimmune disorders, inflammatory disorders, fibrosis, etc. where STAT6 plays an important role by screening for human Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-6 (STAT 6) gene variants.