Abstract: The present invention relates to parasitic helminth thiol specific antioxidant (TSA) larval proteins; to parasitic helminth larval TSA nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode such TSA proteins; to antibodies raised against such TSA proteins; and to compounds that inhibit parasitic helminth larval TSA activity. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds. Also included in the present invention are therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies and/or inhibitory compounds as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to protect animals from diseases caused by parasitic helminths.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and products for establishing nutrient recognition and improving nutrient utilization and growth in a human or an animal by immunologically stimulating digestion or a gastric cascade within the gastrointestinal tract, by orally or parenterally immunizing the human or animal with an immunizing effective amount of an ingestible antigen or a mixture of ingestible antigens and orally reintroducing the antigen(s). Another aspect of the invention provides a method and products for preventing and treating gastrointestinal disease by immunologically stimulating a gastric cascade, namely, blood flow, production of mucus and release of digestion regulatory factors within the gastrointestinal tract of a human or an animal, by orally or parenterally immunizing the human or the animal with an immunizing effective amount of an ingestible antigen or a mixture of ingestible antigens and orally reintroducing the antigen(s).

Abstract: Novel herpes simplex (HSV) vaccine formulations are provided. These comprise HSV glycoprotein gD or immunological fragments in conjunction with 3 Deacylated monophosphoryl lipid A.

Abstract: Lipid-containing particles such as iscoms, iscom-matrix or vesicles such as micelles or liposomes that comprise one or more hydrophobic receptor molecules for targeting and antigenic substances, which receptor molecules have been integrated in the particle and are chosen from lipid-containing receptors or receptors that are hydrophobic, which receptor molecules bind to the antigenic substances.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated human netrin polypeptide. Netrins define a family of diffusable factors involved in axon outgrowth.

Abstract: A new method for the preparation of a whole cell bacterial vaccine for improved protection against bacterial pathogens, particularly against those pathogens which have multiple antigenic serotypes is described. The method particularly involves disruption of the whole cells using a French press of the whole cells of virulent strains of the bacteria. The preferred vaccine prevented infection of swine with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP), which causes porcine contagious pleuropneumonia. The vaccine has good safety and few side effects even at a higher dose than commonly used for bacterins and improved protection against the homologous serotype of the pathogen; and improved cross-protection against heterologous serotypes. The whole cell vaccine, is most useful for veterinary (lower mammal) vaccines.

Abstract: New immunological carrier systems, DNA encoding the same, and the use of these systems, are disclosed. The carrier systems include chimeric proteins which include a leukotoxin polypeptide fused to one or more selected GnRH multimers which comprise at least one repeating GnRH decapeptide sequence, or at least one repeating unit of a sequence corresponding to at least one epitope of a selected GnRH molecule. Under the invention, the selected GnRH sequences may all be the same, or may correspond to different derivatives, analogues, variants or epitopes of GnRH so long as the GnRH sequences are capable of eliciting an immune response. The leukotoxin functions to increase the immunogenicity of the GnRH multimers fused thereto.

Abstract: Methods are provided for improved immunization against coccidiosis and other bacterial, viral, or parasitic diseases in poultry. One method includes administering a solution of Propionibacterium acnes suspended in normal saline to a chick at age day one, following hatching. An anticoccidial vaccine and/or other vaccine is then administered to the chick such as by oral administration. Alternatively the method includes the steps of aseptically injecting Propionibacterium acnes in ovo at about day 18 in development, followed by post-hatching vaccination with an anticoccidial vaccine and/or other vaccine. Alternatively, either method can be utilized without the subsequent vaccination step for stimulating non-specific cell-mediated immune responses in poultry.

Abstract: Novel bacterial preparations containing one or more isolated and purified strain of a microorganism which produces one or more RTX toxins, and which strain has at least one RTX toxin which is substantially cell-associated. Methods of preparing the bacterial preparations and their use as vaccines and to produce antibodies for passive immunization are described.

Abstract: Compositions of the current invention are directed toward inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, particularly fungi. The compositions consist of chemically-synthesized antibiotics comprising certain amino acids. Methods of identifying particular antibiotic compositions from libraries of such compositions are disclosed. In addition, methods for preventing microbial growth in plants and animals are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for predicting the presence of deep venous thrombosis in a patient comprises measuring the concentration of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 (p55) in the patient's urine and comparing the measured concentration to an established baseline concentration. A concentration in the patient's urine greater than the established baseline concentration is predictive of the presence of deep venous thrombosis.

Abstract: A molecule, protein or peptide characterized in that it is recognized by cytophilic antibodies from individuals who are immune to infection by Plasmodia, and recognized by non-cytophilic antibodies from individuals who are vulnerable to infection by Plasmodiae. The antibodies are capable of blocking the erythrocytic phase of the parasite by co-operating with accessory cells such as monocytes.

Abstract: Peptides which will inhibit the reaction between the RGD tripeptide of FHA and the integrin receptors of endothelial cells and their utility as therapeutic agents are described.

Abstract: Stable and effective multivalent vaccine compositions comprising Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) are described wherein the HBsAg component is stable for one week at 37.degree. C. and is highly immunogenic, for example when the vaccine is administered to infants. The compositions typically comprise HBsAg adsorbed to aluminium phosphate and other antigens, especially those suitable for use in a paediatric vaccine, adsorbed to aluminium phosphate or aluminium hydroxide. Methods for preparing the vaccines and the use of aluminium phosphate to stabilise HBsAg in a multivalent vaccine formulation are also described.

Abstract: Methods for eliciting or enhancing immune responses to antigens, including tumor antigens, and/or DNA vaccines are provided. The methods employ polypeptides or nucleic acid compositions that contain at least a biologically active portion of a Leishmania braziliensis or Leishmania major homologue of the eukaryotic initiation factor 4A, or a variant thereof. Such polypeptides and compositions are useful for enhancing or eliciting a patient's cellular and/or humoral immune response, for instance within methods for treating tumors.

Abstract: An oligoside derived from an antigen polyoside obtained from a pathogenic agent, a method for its preparation, and its use particularly as a vaccinal agent. The oligoside is prepared by oxidation-reduction depolymerisation reaction.

Abstract: The new method uses synthetic glycopeptides such as MDP and GMDP as immunological adjuvants which according to this invention are added to the antigen in purely aqueous solution in the low doses discovered to evoke the maximum production of antibody output and whereby the adjuvant is present in dry form with L-proline added for better reproducibility of experiments by minimizing adsorptive losses at the walls of the glass vials.

Abstract: A method is provided for the detection of low levels of a microorganism in a sample in the presence of competing microflora, comprising the steps of: (a) exposing the sample to a solid support to which are adsorbed antibodies specific for said microorganism; (b) washing the solid support to remove unbound material; (c) combining the solid support with sterile nutrient broth which permits replication of said microorganism; (d) incubating the solid support with said nutrient broth at a temperature and for a time sufficient to allow said microorganism to replicate and be recaptured by said antibodies on said solid support; (e) releasing the bound microorganism from the solid support into a solution; and (f)assaying the solution for the microorganism. A kit for performing the assay also is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides NAD-independent Mycoplasma synoviae of strain MS1. The invention also refers to microbiological cultures comprising Mycoplasma synoviae of this strain. Next to this, the invention refers to live vaccines derived from these strains, for the protection of poultry against Mycoplasma synoviae infection. Furthermore, the invention provides methods for the preparation of such vaccines. Also, the use of NAD-independent Mycoplasma synoviae strains for the preparation of live vaccines for the protection of poultry against Mycoplasma synoviae infection is disclosed.

Abstract: In a method for assaying an anticardiolipin antibody in a sample utilizing .beta.2-glycoprotein I, a polypeptide having the same amino acid sequence as domain IV of .beta.2-glycoprotein I or a polypeptide partially different therefrom but functionally equivalent thereto is used in place of .beta.2-glycoprotein I itself. According to this method, an autoantibody from patients with antiphospholipid syndrome can be accurately assayed in a simple manner.