Abstract: The present invention is directed to immunogenic peptides from vespid antigen 5. These immunogenic peptides can be used in immunotherapy for vespid venom allergic individuals. The present invention is thus directed to T cell epitopes of vespid antigen 5 that can anergize T cell responses in sensitive individuals.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel product and method for isolating ectoparasite saliva proteins, and a novel product and method for detecting and/or treating allergic dermatitis in an animal. The present invention includes a saliva protein collection apparatus capable of collecting ectoparasite saliva proteins substantially free of contaminating material. The present invention also relates to ectoparasite saliva proteins, nucleic acid molecules having sequences that encode such proteins, and antibodies raised against such proteins. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins and to use such proteins to identify animals susceptible to or having allergic dermatitis. The present invention also includes therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins and their use to treat animals susceptible to or having allergic dermatitis.

Abstract: Novel pseudopeptide analogs of the insect pyrokinin neuropeptide family which possess biological activity mimicking that of the naturally occurring neuropeptides are disclosed. By addition of a hydrophobic moiety to an active portion of the pyrokinin peptides, analogs are produced which exhibit an overall amphiphilic nature and which are capable of penetrating the insect cuticle while still retaining biological activity. The analogs may be used for insect control by disrupting the reproductive, developmental, and/or digestive processes normally regulated by pryrokinins in insects.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of treating pain comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment an effective analgesic amount of a peptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID. NO.:1 or SEQ ID NO: 2. The invention further provides a purified peptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. The peptides of SEQ ID NO.: 1 and SEQ ID NO.: 2 can also be used in methods for identifying compounds having analgesia-inducing activity.

Abstract: A method to protect a host animal from flea infestation by treating that animal with a composition that includes a compound that reduces protease activity of fleas feeding from the treated animal, thereby reducing flea burden on the animal and in the environment of the animal. The present invention also relates to compositions including flea protease vaccines, anti-flea protease antibodies and/or protease inhibitors. Also included in the present invention are soluble flea midgut preparations, flea protease proteins, nucleic acid molecules encoding such proteins and antibodies that selectively bind to such proteins. The present invention also includes methods to obtain and use such preparations, proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies and protease inhibitors to protect an animal from flea infestation.

Abstract: Polypeptides isolated from the venom of the Geolycosa riogrande spider form pores in the plasma membrane of cells and are effective in mobilizing intracellular calcium ions in cells. These polypeptides are useful in such areas as drug delivery, cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy, as well as in the physiological study of cells.

Abstract: A protein isolated from crude extracts of Hirudo medicinalis is disclosed, which strongly inhibits the binding to collagen of platelets and their subsequent activation, which leads to platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. Additionally the protein prevents binding of von Willebrand factor to collagen. Described is a method for isolation and purification of the protein as well as its use for blocking collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation. The new protein (Brandinin) has a molweight of approximately 15 kD, binds to collagen but has no collagen-cleaving activity. The protein is useful in the prophylaxis, prevention and treatment of thrombotic diseaeses and for coating of blood-contacting materials, rendering them thromboresistant.

Abstract: This invention relates to the purification of a family of insecticidally effective peptides isolated from the spider, Calisoga sp., characterized by their neurotoxic effect on insect pest and low mammalian toxicity. The cDNA sequences for three of these peptides have been isolated, and the complete coding sequence is provided. This invention also discloses methods for producing recombinant peptides, as well as methods of utilizing these peptides as insecticidal agents.

Abstract: This invention relates to an insecticidally effective peptide isolated from the spider, Segestria sp., characterized by its paralytic effect on insect pests and low mammalian toxicity. This invention also discloses methods for producing recombinant peptides, as well as methods of utilizing these peptides as insecticidal agents.

Abstract: Hirudin/polyalkylene glycol derivatives of the formula[A--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --[O--(CH.sub.2).sub.nlm --B--].sub.p Hir [sic]Iand hirudin muteins and the preparation thereof are described. The compounds are suitable for controlling diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel product and method for isolating ectoparasite saliva proteins, and a novel product and method for detecting and/or treating allergic dermatitis in an animal. The present invention includes a saliva protein collection apparatus capable of collecting ectoparasite saliva proteins substantially free of contaminating material. The present invention also relates to ectoparasite saliva proteins, nucleic acid molecules having sequences that encode such proteins, and antibodies raised against such proteins. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins and to use such proteins to identify animals susceptible to or having allergic dermatitis. The present invention also includes therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins and their use to treat animals susceptible to or having allergic dermatitis.

Abstract: The inhibitor is protein derived leech tissue or leech secretions (for example, from Hirudo medicinalis), which is capable of binding to native collagen, in such a way that substantially no cleavage breakdown products of coilagen molecules occur on SDS-PAGE. The protein substantially inhibits collagen-induced platelet aggregation or adhesion, has a molecular weight of 60-70 kilodaltons in reduced form and has optimum activity at pH 8.0.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides are isolated from the venom of the parasitic wasp, Bracon hebetor, and are designated Brh-I to Brh-V. These polypeptides are paralytic and/or toxic to insects. The entire amino acid sequence of Brh-I and the DNA encoding it is also determined. These polypeptides may be cloned into a baculovirus, and used for insect control.

Abstract: A method for the inhibition of tumor metastases is described herein. The method makes use of the administration of an antimetastatic factor isolated from the leech Haementeria ghilianii.

Abstract: The cellular binding proteins present in membranes of fleas, especially those which are present in the digestive tract, are useful as screening tools for systemic anti-flea reagents and in the design of vaccine formulations. Particularly useful is the .alpha.-subunit of (Na.sup.+ /K.sup.+)ATPase. The .alpha.-subunit of this protein expressed in recombinant host cells in the presence of the .beta.-subunit is distributed on the membrane and the recombinant cells can thus be used to screen candidates for ability to bind the cells. Secondary screens are used to determine the specificity of the candidate reagent for flea protein as compared to a corresponding protein derived from other sources.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation, particularly smooth muscle cells present in blood vessel walls. A compound capable of inhibiting blood factor Xa is administered to the smooth muscle cells in an amount effective to inhibit proliferation of the cells. The compound capable of inhibiting blood factor Xa is preferably antistasin or tick anticoagulant peptide (TAP). In other aspects the present invention provides methods for treating atherosclerotic lesions and atherosclerosis, and methods of treating narrowing of the lumen of a blood vessel wherein the narrowing is caused at least in part by hyperplasia of smooth muscle cells in the wall of the blood vessel.

Abstract: A vaccine for protecting avian and mammalian subjects against flea infestation comprises the supernatant fraction of flea midgut, or the antigenic components thereof. This also has the effect of reducing flea populations in the environment of the subject. Antibodies raised by these vaccines are also useful in purification and diagnosis.

Abstract: The invention comprises proteinaceous substances isolated from crude Ornithodoros moubata extract which inhibit adhesion of platelets to collagen. These substances do not inhibit platelet adhesion to fibrinogen, and are therefore particularly useful for inhibiting adhesion of platelets to collagen when simultaneous inhibition of platelet adhesion to fibrinogen is undesired. They are particularly useful in the prevention, prophylaxis, therapy and treatment of thrombotic diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a recombinant mite allergen obtainable by expression of a mite-body-derived gene, a gene which codes for said allergen, a mite allergen fragment, a polypeptide having an epitope contained in said allergen, an expression vector capable of expressing the gene, a bacterium, yeast or mammalian cell transformed with said expression vector, a method for producing said allergen, and a pharmaceutical composition or a diagnostic reagent for the treatment of mite allergic diseases.

Abstract: New bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic, thermostable peptides which are isolated from hemolymph of immune honeybees and which are distinct from lysozymes, attacins, cecropins, diptericins and magainins. The peptides feature at least the 10 C-terminal amino acids of the following peptide:H.sub.2 N-Gly-Asn-Asn-Arg-Pro-X-Tyr-Ile-Pro-Gln-Pro-Arg-Pro-Pro-His-Pro-Arg-Z-OHin whichX is a valyl or isoleucyl residue andZ is a leucyl or isoleucyl residue.

Abstract: A compound comprising an analogue of the melittin peptide having the following structural formula: ##STR1## wherein at least one and no more than four amino acid residues are omitted from the peptide, or at least one of amino acid residues 1-6, 8-18, or 20-26 in the peptide is substituted with a hydrophobic residue, provided that no more than two of amino acid residues 21-26 is substituted with a hydrophobic residue. Such deletion and substitution analogues are useful as antibiotics, antimicrobial agents, antifungal agents, anti-tumor agents, antiviral agents, or agents which stimulate wound healing.

Abstract: The production of antivenoms in non-mammals and improvements in the effectiveness of both non-mammalian antivenoms and mammalian antivenoms so that they are more suitable for treatment of humans and animals as well as for analytical use.

Abstract: The invention relates to cecropin-like polypeptides with a variey of C-terminus modifications. Conversion of the terminal carboxy group to a homoserine extended neutral, negatively charged or positively charged form results in the polypeptides of the invention that have significant bactericidal effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polypeptide found to be present in the venom of the Agelenopsis aperta spider and to polypeptides having substantially the same amino acid sequence and substantially the same activity as said polypeptide. The polypeptides of this invention and the salts thereof block calcium channels in cells of various organisms and are useful in blocking said calcium channels in cells, per se; in the treatment of calcium channel mediated diseases and conditions; and in the control of invertebrate pests. This invention also relates to compositions comprising said polypeptides and salts thereof.

Abstract: An antibacterial polypeptide is disclosed, which is immunologically produced by Sarcophaga peregrina, when the insect is injured in its body wall. The polypeptide has a molecular weight of about 7000.

Abstract: A new polypeptide originating from royal jelly, having a specific amino acid sequence and heat stability.

Abstract: An eighteen amino acid neuropeptide isolated from brain complexes of adult female cockroach, Diploptera punctata, is identified as an allatostatin because it inhibits the biosynthesis of juvenile growth hormone in cockroach corpora allata. Primary structure of the isolated allatostatin is Al a-Tyr-Ser-Tyr-Val-Ser-Glu-Tyr-Lys-Arg-Leu-Pro-Val-Tyr-Asn-Phe-Gly-Leu-NH.s ub.2. A synthetic peptide of this sequence and three synthetic peptides with truncated sequences conserving the amidated carboxyl portion of the native sequence have allatostatin activity. Certain derivatives of the peptides also have allatostatin activity including compounds having the sequence: X-Val-Tyr-Asn-Phe-Gly-Leu-NH.sub.2, in which X is Leu-Arg, Leu-Pro, Arg-Leu-Pro-, Ala-Tyr-Ser-Tyr-Val-Ser-Glu-Tyr-Lys-Arg-Leu-Pro, acetyl-Ala-Tyr-Ser-Tyr-Val-Ser-Glu-Tyr-Lys-Arg-Leu-Pro, or acetyl-Arg-Leu-Pro. These peptides have the potential for regulating the growth of certain insects, and may be useful in the area of insect control.

Abstract: A pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (Hez-PBAN) hormone, controlling sex pheromone production in moths and controlling melanizing in larvae, was isolated from the brain-suboesophageal ganglion complexes of adult corn earworm Heliothis zea. Hez-PBAN has 33 amino acide residues and a molecular weight of 3900; its amino acid sequence is unique among the fully characterized peptide hormones. Synthetic PBAN and related structures induced production of sex pheromone in ligated H. zea females and other moth species and melanization in larvae that resulted in morphological changes or death.

Abstract: A biologically active polypeptide, method of obtaining same and use thereof are disclosed. The polypeptide is obtained through steps of cultivating a cell line established from Sarcophaga peregrina embryo to produce the same in a culture medium, as product of the cell line, isolating and purifying the same. The polypeptide shows an anti-virus activity.

Abstract: A reagent comprising a fraction obtained from plasma of an insect such as silkworm larvae and capable of reacting specifically with .beta.-1,3-glucan or peptidoglycan can be used for determining .beta.-1,3-glucan or peptidoglycan.

Abstract: Nonpolypeptide factors isolated from the venom of funnel-web spiders are capable of binding calcium channel proteins. These nonpolypeptide factors are used to purify calcium channels and completely block voltage-dependant calcium conductance of cell membranes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel immunogenic synthetic peptide that is capable of specifically blocking potassium channels of excitable membranes and inducing immunity against an effective lethal dose of Noxiustoxin. The invention also relates to the discovery that the immunogenic and blocking properties of the peptide are severable. Peptides possessing either the immunogenic or the blocking property are disclosed.

Abstract: Novel nucleic acid fragments coding for insecticidal proteins, the insecticidal proteins encoded thereby, insecticidal compositions containing such proteins, and the use of these proteins in combatting insects, particularly mosquitoes, are described. Chimeric genes containing the novel nucleic acid fragments, and microorganisms, tissues, seeds, and plants incorporating the nucleic acid fragments are also discussed.