Abstract: Methods for treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections, is described. The methods can be used to reduce the severity of outcomes related to COVID-19, such as hospitalization and ventilation. For example, treatment of a subject with a therapeutic agent that neutralizes interleukin 13 (IL-13) can result in reduced risk for mechanical ventilation in the subject. Also described are methods of predicting risk of mechanical ventilation in subjects with COVID-19.

Abstract: The present invention relates methods of treating cytokine storm syndrome comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of an adenosine A2A receptor agonist.

Abstract: The 170 kDa adhesin subunit of the Entamoeba histolytica Gal/GalNAc adherence lectin is encoded by members of a gene family that includes hgl1, hgl2 and a newly discovered gene, hgl3. The DNA and encoded protein sequences of the hgl genes are disclosed. A number of proteins and peptide fragments of the adhesin as well as other functional derivatives, preferably produced by recombinant methods in prokaryotic cells are disclosed. A preferred peptide for a vaccine composition corresponds to amino acids 896-998 of the mature 170 kDa lectin and contains the galactose- and N-acetylgalactosamine-binding activity of the native lectin. These compositions are useful as immunogenic vaccine components and as diagnostic reagents. Methods are provided for a vaccine comprising one or more peptides of the lectin to immunize subjects at risk for infection by E. histolytica. Additionally, immunoassay methods are disclosed for measuring antibodies specific for an epitope of the lectin. These methods detect E.

Abstract: The adhesin 170 kDa subunit of Hm-1:IMSS strain of Entamoeba histolytica is encoded by a gene family that includes hgl1, hgl2 and a previously undescribed third gene, hgl3, for which the DNA and protein sequences are disclosed. All three of these heavy subunit genes were expressed in the amebae. Methods and reagents (both nucleic acid and immunological) which are specific for each of the genes, as well as reagents which detect common regions of all three hgl genes or their nucleic acid or protein products, are disclosed. Recombinantly produced heavy chain subunit of E. Histolytica Gal/GalNAc adherence lectin or an epitope-bearing portion thereof may be used as antigen in serological analysis for E. histolytica infection or as an immunogen for protection against infection. Recombinant production in procaryotic systems provides antigens or immunogens which are immunologically reactive.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for expressing foreign genes in enteric protozoa. This transfection system was established using a gene ligated to the 5' and 3' flanking DNA regions of a protein-encoding gene from an enteric protozoa. The present invention also provides such transformed enteric protozoa, vaccines produced therefrom and foreign or altered proteins expressed in the same. The ability to introduce and express genes in amebae will now permit both genetic analysis and modification of the virulence of this organism, which remains a serious threat to world health and will facilitate basic research towards the control of this parasite.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for expressing foreign genes in enteric protozoa. This transfection system was established using a gene ligated to the 5' and 3' flanking DNA regions of a protein-encoding gene from an enteric protozoa. The present invention also provides such transformed enteric protozoa, vaccines produced therefrom and foreign or altered proteins expressed in the same. The ability to introduce and express genes in amebae will now permit both genetic analysis and modification of the virulence of this organism, which remains a serious threat to world health and will facilitate basic research towards the control of this parasite.

Abstract: A novel laboratory method and a kit for rapid detection and identification of Yersinia bacteria using the polymerase chain reaction with specific primers and specific restriction enzymes to differentiate among Yersinia at the species level and to separate Yersinia from other species of bacteria.