Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptide carrier proteins that comprise at least five CD4+ T cell epitopes, for conjugation to capsular polysaccharides. The carrier proteins are useful as components of vaccines that can elicit a T-cell dependent immune response. These vaccines are particularly useful to confer protection against infection from encapsulated bacteria in infants between the ages of 3 months and about 2 years.

Abstract: An adenoviral vector comprising a promoter further comprising a fragment of the 5? untranslated region of the CMV IE1 gene including intron A and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a pathogen or tumour antigen for use as a medicament.

Abstract: The invention relates to three isolated DNA molecules that encode for proteins, BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3, in the Leptospira sp bacterium which have repetitive Bacterial-Ig-like (Big) domains and their use in diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine applications. According to the present invention, the isolated molecules encoding for BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3 proteins are used for the diagnosis and prevention of infection with Leptospira species that are capable of producing disease in humans and other mammals, including those of veterinary importance.

Abstract: The invention relates to T. cruzi trans-sialidase (TS) and to the neurotrophic and IL-6 secretion-inducing activities of the protein. TS, neurotrophic variants and/or neurotrophic peptides based upon the sequence of TS can be administered to a mammal to directly or indirectly provide neurotrophic support for neurons. A mammalian neurotrophic factor (e.g., CNTF, LIF) can be co-administered with the TS, neurotrophic variant and/or neurotrophic peptide. TS, IL-6 secretion-inducing variants and/or IL-6 secretion-inducing peptides based upon the sequence of TS can be administered to a mammal to induce the secretion of IL-6. TS, active variants and/or active peptides can be administered to a mammal having an acquired or congenital condition characterized by neuronal degeneration or to a mammal that has experienced trauma to the brain, spinal cord or peripheral nerves. The invention also relates to neurotrophic and IL-6 secretion-inducing variants of TS and to neurotrophic and IL-6 secretion-inducing peptides.

Abstract: The invention is directed to functionalized self-assembling polypeptide nanoparticles, and to methods of using these nanoparticles to vaccinate against malaria. The functionalized SAPN comprises a self-assembling core, and at least one epitope fused to the self-assembling core. The self-assembling core comprises a pentameric coiled-coil domain, a trimeric coiled-coil domain, and a linker. The linker joins the pentameric coiled-coil domain and the trimeric coiled-coil domain. Particular sequences of the epitopes used in the vaccine are from the Plasmodium parasite.

Abstract: We describe an Fve polypeptide being a fragment, homologue, variant or derivative of Fve protein, which comprises at least one biological activity of Fve protein. uses of such a polypeptide, etc, and nucleic acids encoding these, in the treatment and prevention of allergy and cancer are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ex vivo animal or challenge model as a method to identify protective (recombinant) proteins and rapidly measure protective immunity in intestinal segments directed against parasites and vaccines directed against parasitic infections. The invention further relates to vaccines directed against infection with parasites, such as Fasciola hepatica, which vaccines contain protective (recombinant) proteins identified and shown to be protective in studies using the ex vivo model. The invention further relates to protective (recombinant) proteins obtained from newly excysted juveniles (NEJ) of Fasciola hepatica. The protective (recombinant) protein corresponding to an NEJ protein has an apparent molecular weight of 32 kD and an N-terminal amino acid sequence comprising the sequence XXDVSWPFWDRMYNY (SEQ ID NO:1).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polynucleotides and polypeptides directed to EXP1 of Plasmodium vivax, and methods of using these polynucleotides and polypeptides in the detection of P. vivax antibodies or anti-P. vivax antibodies in a subject. The invention finds particular useful application in identifying recent exposure to P. vivax.

Abstract: This invention relates to an immunogenic molecule comprising a contiguous amino acid sequence of an invasion ligand of a strain of Plasmodium falciparum, the invasion ligand capable of binding to an erythrocyte receptor, the receptor function being resistant to trypsin and neuraminidase and chymotrypsin, wherein when administered to a subject the molecule is capable of inducing an immune response to the strain. The invention further relates to compositions and methods for the treatment of diseases such as malaria.

Abstract: Provided herein are vaccine compositions for control of Trypanosoma cruzi infection and Chagas disease. The compositions comprise plasmids encoding o GPI-anchored genes ASP-2, TcG-1, TcG2 and TcG4 from Trypanosoma cruzi; plasmids encoding cytokines IL12 and GM-CSF; and plasmids encoding a gene expression system. Certain vaccine compositions comprise recombinant proteins, selected from TcG-1, TcG2 and TcG4 from Trypanosoma cruzi. In another vaccination strategy, the recombinant proteins are replaced by lysates comprising Trypanosoma rangeli cells. Further provided herein are diagnosis compositions comprising 1) recombinant proteins, selected from TcG-1, TcG2 and TcG4 from Trypanosoma cruzi; 2) antibodies that specifically binds the TcG-1, TcG2 and TcG4 proteins; 3) sense and antisense polynucleotide sequences that encode the TcG-1, TcG2 and TcG4 proteins. Said compositions can be used in diagnosing and/or evaluating efficacy of treatments against Trypanosoma cruzi infection.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of P. falciparum antigens and their use, for example, for the preparation of a vaccine against said pathogen. More specifically, the present invention relates to an antigenic peptide derived from the constant part of MSA2, and includes antibodies and methods of producing and using same.

Abstract: Fasciolosis is an anthropozoonotic disease caused by the Trematoda Fasciola hepatica. This worm is a common parasite of ruminants namely sheep, goats and cattle. Adult worms are usually found in the bile ducts of the final host liver, causing significant economic losses in the animal husbandry industry. The diagnosis of Fasciola hepatica infection, in definitive hosts, is usually done by microscopic identification of parasite eggs in the stools, observation of adult worms in liver ducts, or by serology. However, no diagnostic tool as been described for utilization directly in the animals in the farm. The disclosed subject matter describes a cDNA clone codifying for a 69 amino acids polypeptide and 8 kDa molecular weight, and identified as Fh8 or “fasciolin” (Genbank number AF213970). Results show that the polypeptide FH8 act as an allergen.

Abstract: The invention relates to three isolated DNA molecules that encode for proteins, BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3, in the Leptospira sp bacterium which have repetitive Bacterial-Ig-like (Big) domains and their use in diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine applications. According to the present invention, the isolated molecules encoding for BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3 proteins are used for the diagnosis and prevention of infection with Leptospira species that are capable of producing disease in humans and other mammals, including those of veterinary importance.

Abstract: The invention relates to use of an antigen derived from the circumsporozoite protein (CS) protein of Plasmodium falciparum which is expressed at the pre-erythrocytic stage of malarial infection in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, in the manufacture of a medicament for vaccinating infants against malaria.

Abstract: Malaria vaccines based on polyepitope constructs that elicit cell-mediated immunity against a broad spectrum of malaria parasites and which cover the majority of HLA alleles are provided. Epitopes in the polyepitope constructs are from regions of the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP) known to contain CD4 and CD8 T cell epitopes, and include both epitopes from highly variable and highly conserved regions of CSP.

Abstract: Described in this application is a synthetic P. vivax circumsporozoite protein useful as a diagnostic reagent, for antibody production, and as a vaccine protective against infection with any strain of P. vivax.

Abstract: This invention provides reagents, methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating and preventing malaria. Specifically, the invention provides methods for inhibiting a Plasmodium parasite, especially Plasmodium falciparum, from invading or replicating in a cell as well as vaccines for preventing malaria.

Abstract: A helminth protein immunogen is described. Included as the immunogen is an isolated protein comprising an immunogenic, extracellular fragment of a schistosome tegument protein selected from the group consisting of a TSP-1 protein; a TSP-2 protein; and a 7TM protein. An antibody which binds the isolated protein is also described. Additionally, an immunotherapeutic composition comprising the immunogenic protein and an immunologically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient is described. Furthermore, a vaccine comprising the immunogenic protein is described. Also described are an isolated nucleic acid that encodes the immunogenic protein and a genetic construct comprising that isolated nucleic acid. Further, a host cell comprising the genetic construct is described. A method of immunizing against schistosomiasis including the step of administering the immunotherapeutic composition to an animal is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates immunogenic polypeptides and epitopes from Plasmodium falciparum protein AMA1. The epitopes contain HLA class I binding motifs and stimulate an anti-malaria CD8+ T-cell response. The polypeptides can be incorporated into immunogenic formulations against malaria. Additionally, the antigens are useful for facilitating evaluation of immunogenicity of candidate malaria vaccines.

Abstract: The invention provides novel malaria polypeptides expressed at the pre-erythrocytic stage of the malaria life-cycle. The antigens can be utilized to induce an immune response against malaria in a mammal by administering the antigens in vaccine formulations or expressing the antigens in DNA or other nucleic acid expression systems delivered as a vaccine formulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to three isolated DNA molecules that encode for proteins, BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3, in the Leptospira sp bacterium which have repetitive Bacterial-Ig-like (Big) domains and their use in diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine applications. According to the present invention, the isolated molecules encoding for BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3 proteins are used for the diagnosis and prevention of infection with Leptospira species that are capable of producing disease in humans and other mammals, including those of veterinary importance.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunogenic composition comprising MSPk-8 linked to an antigen. Methods of using the composition to induce an immune response in an animal are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions comprising an oil adjuvant, a macrocyclic lactone effective for the prevention or control of parasitic infection in a warm-blooded animal and an immunizing amount of at least one immunogenic polypeptide and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present inventors succeeded in isolating GWT1 (PfGWT1), which is one of the enzymes involved in GPI biosynthesis in the malaria parasite P. falciparum. In addition, the inventors revealed that degenerate mutant DNAs, with a lower AT content than the DNA encoding the PfGWT1 protein, can complement the phenotype of GWT1-deficient yeast. Based on the findings, the present invention provides the GWT1 protein of malaria parasites and the use of the protein in methods of screening for antimalarial drugs. The present invention also provides degenerate mutant DNAs encoding proteins involved in GPI biosynthesis, and which have a lower AT content than the original DNAs. The present invention also provides methods of screening for antimalarial drugs which use the degenerate mutant DNAs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaccine against Trypanosoma cruzi infection, useful in the prevention and/or treatment of the Chagas disease. More specifically, the present invention relates to a recombinant mutant trans-sialidase enzyme that can be used as an efficient vaccine, without side effects.

Abstract: Diagnostic tools for for serodiagnosing ehrlichiosis in mammals, particularly in members of the Canidae family and in humans are provided. The diagnostic tools are a group of outer membrane proteins of E. chaffeensis and variants thereof, referred to hereinafter as the “OMP proteins”, a group of outer membrane proteins of E. canis and variants thereof referred to hereinafter as the “P30F proteins”, and antibodies to the OMP proteins and the P30F proteins. The OMP proteins of E. chaffeensis encompass OMP-1, OMP-1A, OMP1-B, OMP-1C, OMP1-D, OMP1-E, OMP1-F, OMP1-H, OMP-1R, OMP-1S, OMP-1T, OMP-1U, OMP-1V, OMP-1W, OMP-1X, OMP-1Y and OMP-1Z. The P30F proteins of E. canis encompass P30, P30a, P30-1, P30-2, P30-3, P304, P30-5, P30-6, P30-7, P30-8, P30-9, P30-10, P30-11, and P30-12. Isolated polynucleotides that encode the E. chaffeensis OMP proteins and isolated polynucleotides that encode the E. canis P30F protein are also provided.

Abstract: A process for preventing a protozoal disease by the administration of an alkyl phosphocholine to a human being.

Abstract: A fusion protein, from P. falciparum Glutamate-rich protein (GLURP) genetically coupled to P. falciparum Merozoite surface protein 3 (MSP3) was produced in Lactococcus lactis as a secreted recombinant GLURP-MSP3 hybrid protein and experiments showed that the GLURP-part of the hybrid increased the overall antibody response. Immunizations with the hybrid protein consistently generated a stronger antibody response against the individual GLURP and MSP3 domains than a mixture of the two recombinant molecules injected at one site or the individual recombinant molecules injected simultaneously at two different sites. The difference was most pronounced for the MSP3-specific antibody response suggesting that T cell epitopes located in the GLURP RO-region provide help for B-cell epitopes in the MSP3 region.

Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to a method for suppressing inflammation (e.g. allergic inflammation, for example asthma caused by ragweed), a Th1-mediated condition and/or a Th2-mediated condition and/or a condition in which administration of an antioxidant would be beneficial, in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an anitinflammatory-effective amount of Ascaris-derived heme-binding protein (HBP) or an active fragment or variant thereof (e.g. domain 2 of the polypeptide or an active variant thereof). Also described are pharmaceutical compositions for suppressing one of the above conditions, adjuvant compositions and immunogenic compositions comprising Ascaris-derived heme-binding protein (HBP), or an active fragment or variant thereof, and an antigen.

Abstract: An isolated and purified polypeptide is obtained from tick salivary glands and presents more than 75% sequence identity with at least a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ. ID. NO. 1.

Abstract: Cloning and expression of genes encoding C. parvum antigenic polypeptides are described as are antibodies that recognize epitopes on these polypeptides. The antigenic polypeptides and antibodies thereto can be used in therapeutic compositions for the prevention and treatment of C. parvum infections, as well as in diagnostic methods for determining the presence of C. parvum infections.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a recombinant malaria vaccine and a method for its manufacture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant protein fabricated in a baculovirus system, of which the essential constitutive polypeptide sequence is that of a C-terminal fragment of 19 kilodalton (p19) of the surface protein 1 (protein MSP-1) of the merozoite parasite of the Plasmodium type, particularly Plasmodium falciparum, which is infectious for humans, said C-terminal fragment remaining normally anchored at the surface of the parasite at the end of its penetration phase into human erythrocytes, in the occurrence of an infectious cycle. Said recombinant protein is applicable to the production of vaccines against malaria.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ex vivo animal or challenge model as a method to identify protective (recombinant) proteins and rapidly measure protective immunity in intestinal segments directed against parasites and vaccines directed against parasitic infections. The invention further relates to vaccines directed against infection with parasites, such as Fasciola hepatica, which vaccines contain protective (recombinant) proteins identified and shown to be protective in studies using the ex vivo model. The invention further relates to protective (recombinant) proteins obtained from newly excysted juveniles (NEJ) of Fasciola hepatica. The protective (recombinant) protein corresponding to an NEJ protein has an apparent molecular weight of 32 kD and an N-terminal amino acid sequence comprising the sequence XXDVSWPFWDRMYNY (SEQ ID NO:1).

Abstract: Described in this application is a synthetic P. vivax circumsporozoite protein useful as a diagnostic reagent, for antibody production, and as a vaccine protective against infection with any strain of P. vivax.

Abstract: The present invention is directed in particular to dipeptide-like compounds derived from functionally substituted amino acids, having fatty acid chains bound thereto through amidification of the amine functional groups of said dipeptide-like compounds, one end portion of which bears an accessory functional side chain spacer, with the other end portion being an acid group either in neutral or charged state. Compounds of the present invention have immunomodulating properties like adjuvants, In addition, compounds of the invention can be grafted on a given antigen in order to modulate or tune the immune response or can be equally grafted on a pharmaceutical carrier to enhance the therapeutic effect or targeting thereof. Accordingly, compounds of the invention find use in human and veterinary medicine both as immunogens and diagnostic tools.

Abstract: Molecular targets are identified in T. cruzi suitable for use in diagnosis of Chagas disease, drug development, and vaccines, including live vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding a 30 kD Brachyspira hyodysenteriae lipoprotein and to parts of such nucleic acid sequences that encode an immunogenic fragment of such lipoproteins, and to DNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules, live recombinant carriers and host cells comprising such nucleic acid sequences or such parts thereof. The invention also relates to a 30 kD Brachyspira hyodysenteriae lipoprotein and immunogenic parts thereof encoded by such sequences. Furthermore, the present invention relates to vaccines comprising such nucleic acid sequences and parts thereof, DNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules, live recombinant carriers and host cells comprising such nucleic acid sequences or such parts thereof, lipoproteins or immunogenic parts thereof and antibodies against such lipoproteins or immunogenic parts thereof. Also, the invention relates to the use of said lipoproteins in vaccines and for the manufacture of vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for augmenting an immunogenicity of an antigen in a mammal, comprising administering said antigen together with an adjuvant composition that includes a synthetic glycolipid compound of Formula I, as described herein. According to the present invention, the use of a compound of Formula I as an adjuvant is attributed at least in part to the enhancement and/or extension of antigen-specific Th1-type responses, in particular, CD8+ T cell responses. The methods and compositions of the present invention can be useful for prophylaxis and treatment of various infectious and neoplastic diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorocarbon vectors for the delivery of antigens to immunoresponsive target cells. It further relates to fluorocarbon vector-antigen constructs and the use of such vectors associated with antigens as vaccines and immunotherapeutics in animals.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the protection against malaria. More particularly, the invention is based on the characterization of a novel liver and sporozoite-stage P. falciparum antigen, referred to as LSA-5. This antigen is highly antigenic and the prevalence of antibodies in subjects living in endemic areas is extremely high (ca. 90%). The invention concerns antigenic peptides, mixtures thereof, or polypeptides, mixotopes and conjugates comprising part of the sequence of LSA-5, as well as immunogenic compositions, vaccines and kits comprising these.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated placental P. falciparum polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-4 and 6-24, and immunogenic derivatives thereof. The invention also provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the placental P. falciparum polypeptides of the invention, compositions comprising one or more placental P. falciparum polypeptides of the invention, methods for inducing an immune response against the placental P. falciparum polypeptides, and methods for treating and diagnosing placental malaria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel vaccines against malaria infections, based on recombinant viral vectors, such as alpha viruses, adenoviruses or vaccinia viruses. The recombinant viral-based vaccines can be used to immunize against different Plasmodium infections, such as infections by P. falciparum or P. yoelii. Novel codon-optimized circumsporozoite genes are disclosed. Preferably, replication-defective adenoviruses are used, derived from serotypes that encounter low titers of neutralizing antibodies. The invention, therefore, also relates to the use of different adenoviral serotypes that are administered to elicit a strong immune response, either in single vaccination set-ups or in prime-boost set-ups in which compositions based on different serotypes can be applied.

Abstract: A fusion protein, derived from P. falciparum Glutamate-rich protein (GLURP) genetically coupled to P. falciparum Merozoite surface protein 3 (MSP3) was produced in Lactococcus lactis as a secreted recombinant GLURP-MSP3 hybrid protein and experiments showed that the GLURP-part of the hybrid increased the overall antibody response. Immunizations with the hybrid protein consistently generated a stronger antibody response against the individual GLURP and MSP3 domains than a mixture of the two recombinant molecules injected at one site or the individual recombinant molecules injected simultaneously at two different sites. The difference was most pronounced for the MSP3-specific antibody response suggesting that T cell epitopes located in the GLURP RO-region provide help for B-cell epitopes in the MSP3 region.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-48 and immunogenic derivatives thereof. The invention also provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides of the invention, compositions comprising one or more liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides of the invention, methods for inducing an immune response against the liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides, and methods for treating and diagnosing liver stage malaria.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ex vivo animal or challenge model as a method to identify protective (recombinant) proteins and rapidly measure protective immunity in intestinal segments directed against parasites and vaccines directed against parasitic infections. The invention further relates to vaccines directed against infection with parasites, such as Fasciola hepatica, which vaccines contain protective (recombinant) proteins identified and shown to be protective in studies using the ex vivo model. The invention further relates to protective (recombinant) proteins obtained from newly excysted juveniles (NEJ) of Fasciola hepatica. The protective (recombinant) protein corresponding to an NEJ protein has an apparent molecular weight of 32 kD and an N-terminal amino acid sequence comprising the sequence XXDVSWPFWDRMYNY (SEQ ID NO:1).

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds and methods for the detection of anti-leishmanial antibodies in individuals suspected of infection with the protozoan parasite of the genus Leishmania, where the infectious agent is an Indian strain and similar or closely related to Indian Leishmania strains. The compounds provided include polypeptides as shown in SEQ ID NO: 5 or SEQ ID NO: 6 which are useful for the detection of anti-leishmanial antibodies in individuals where the immune responses are elicited against Leishmania species of Indian strains and similar or closely related to Indian Leishmania strains, the compounds are also useful as a vaccine and therapeutic agent to prevent and treat leishmaniasis. The present invention further provides a diagnostic kit consisting of antibody raised against polypeptides as shown in SEQ ID NO: 5 or SEQ ID NO: 6 for detecting leishmanial antigens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine against malaria containing a polypeptide having an epitope contained within a merozoite surface protein and a method for immunizing against malaria by administering the vaccine.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-48 and immunogenic derivatives thereof. The invention also provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides of the invention, compositions comprising one or more liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides of the invention, methods for inducing an immune response against the liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides, and methods for treating and diagnosing liver stage malaria.

Abstract: The present invention provides adenoviral vectors comprising cell status-specific transcriptional regulatory elements which confer cell status-specific transcriptional regulation on an adenoviral gene. A “cell status” is generally a reversible physiological and/or environmental state. The invention further provides compositions and host cells comprising the vectors, as well as methods of using the vectors.