Abstract: The invention concerns the use of the FHA protein or part of the FHA protein, in free form, as adjuvant of the immune response or as immunostimulant in a human or an animal. The invention also concerns adjuvant and immunostimulatory compositions comprising FHA protein or a fragment thereof, and the use of said compositions for making vaccines.

Abstract: A recombinant DNA containing a sequence (1) coding for a polypeptide heterologous to a filamentous haemagglutinin of Bordetella (Fha) fused within the reading frame to a sequence (2) located upstream from the first sequence. Sequence (2) codes for at least part of the Fha precursor, which part comprises at least the N-terminal region of a truncated mature Fha protein, which contains the interaction site of Fha and heparin and the secretion domain. This Fha protein is under the control of a promoter recognized by the cell polymerases of B. pertussis and is inserted into a B. pertussis cell culture, is expressed in the culture and excreted into the cell culture medium. The invention uses both the abilities of Bordetella and particularly B.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel 116 kDa polypeptide exhibiting homologies of sequences with RNA helicases (DEXH box) called RH116 and its fragments, the cloning of cDNA and the polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides, cloning and/or expression vectors including said polynucleotides, cells transformed by said vectors and specific antibodies directed against said polypeptides. The invention also concerns methods for detecting and/or assaying said polypeptides and polynucleotides, corresponding diagnosis kits, and a method for screening ligands, as well as compounds for use as medicine for preventing and/or therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of the FHA protein or part of the FHA protein, in free form, as adjuvant of the immune response or as immunostimulant in a human or an animal. The invention also concerns adjuvant and immunostimulatory compositions comprising FHA protein or a fragment thereof, and the use of said compositions for making vaccines.

Abstract: The invention concerns a Bordetella strain deficient in the production of toxin and expressing a hybrid protein comprising at least part of the filamentous hemagglutin (FHA) and at least part of a protein heterologous to FHA. The gene coding for the toxin has been eliminated, or at least partially deleted or mutated so as to produce an inactive toxin. This strain can be used as vaccine. The invention also concerns liposomes containing at least part of the FHA protein and at least one protein heterologous to the FHA protein, and the use of FHA for the stimulation of immune responses.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel SSA-56 kDA polypeptide and its fragments, cDNA cloning and polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides, cloning and/or expression vectors including said polynucleotides, cells transformed by said vectors and specific antibodies directed against said polypeptides. The invention also concerns methods for detecting and/or assaying said polypeptides and polynucleotides, corresponding diagnostic kits, a method for screening ligands, a method for detecting anti-Ro/SSA-like autoantibodies, a method for purifying a human biological fluid capable of containing anti-Ro/SSA-like autoantibodies, and compounds for use as medicines for preventing and/or treating viral pathologies such as AIDS and autoimmune diseases, in particular systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)and Sjögren syndrome.

Abstract: The invention relates to cloning of the gene for the toxoplasma GP28.5 antigen. It also encompasses purified GP28.5 antigen preparations and antigenic polypeptides derived from said antigen, and their applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to cloning of the gene for the toxoplasma GP28.5 anen. It also encompasses purified GP28.5 antigen preparations and antigenic polypeptides derived from said antigen, and their applications.

Abstract: An antigenic composition against S. mansoni comprising an 8 kD peptidic fragment associated with a suitable vehicle, the 8 kD peptidic fragment being obtained by controlled proteolysis using V8 protease of a 28 kD protein obtained from S. mansoni is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the development of a vaccine against schistosomiasis. It relates to a protein which includes the epitopes of the p28 protein, a poxvirus containing a gene coding for the said protein, a cell incorporating a vector for the expression of the said protein, a method for preparing the said protein, a DNA sequence coding for the p28 protein, a pharmaceutical composition, antibodies raised against the said protein and their application by way of diagnostic agents for schistosomiasis.The present invention also relates to the application of the said protein by way of an agent possessing glutathione S-transferase activity.

Abstract: A hybridoma is provided which provides a monoclonal antibody of isotope IgG2a, which recognizes a strip corresponding to a peptidic fragment of 8kD, isolated by controlled proteolysis of the 28kD polypeptide of S. mansoni.

Abstract: New lymphokine and its isolation and purification process. Said lymphokine is comprised of a factor obtained from T cells stimulated by concanavaline A or by an antigen capable of inhibiting the IgE-dependent platelet citotoxicity with respect to young larvae of S. Mansoni, of strongly reducing the chemiluminescence of blood platelets in a reaction IgE-anti-IgE, which is a correlate of the anti-parasite cytotoxicity, and of inhibiting the platelet activation in non-IgE dependent intolerences. Application as suppressor agent for suppressing platelet activation and as immunomodulator medicament of allergies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogenic fraction active against bilharzioses. This glycoprotein extracted from hemocyanin of a mollusc, is characterized in that its glucidic fraction represents 5 to 25% of the glycoprotein molecule and in that the molar composition of said glucidic fraction (calculated on the basis of 3 mannose residues) is substantially the following:______________________________________ Monosaccharidic residues ______________________________________ Mannose 3 Galactose 3 to 4 Fucose 2 to 3 Glucose 2 .+-. 0.2 Xylose 0.5-1 N-acetylglucosamine 3-4 N-acetylgalactosamine 2 .+-. 0.3 ______________________________________Use: immunizing compositions against bilharzioses.

Abstract: A small peptide obtained from Schistosoma mansoni has a molecular weight between 500 and 1000. It is water soluble. It is heat-stable. It inhibits the mast cell degranulation in vitro and in vivo elicited by chemical compounds or anaphylactic reactions. It prevents passive or active cutaneous anaphylactic reactions.