Abstract: The present invention provides a fusion protein comprising: i) a solubility-enhancing moiety which is derived from the N-terminal (NT) fragment of a spider silk protein; and ii) a C-type lectin polypeptide. The present invention also provides a truncated SP-A polypeptide which lacks the N-terminal domain of full SP-A and is capable of trimerisation, and to the use of such a truncated SP-A polypeptide in treating or preventing a disease.

Abstract: Surfactant protein A (SP-A) is described for preventing and/or treating a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in a subject. The STI is caused by a DNA virus, such as Human papillomavirus (HPV) and/or Herpes simplex virus (HSV). SP-A can thus be used to prevent cervical cancer, genital warts and/or genital ulcers. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising SP-A are also described, as is a method for preventing and/or treating STIs caused by DNA viruses, the method comprising administering an effective amount of SP-A to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Surfactant Protein D (SP-D) or nucleic acids encoding SP-D or variants thereof such as surfactant protein A or mannan binding lectin for use in the treatment and/or prevention of a parasitic infection. Methods for determining the presence of a parasitic infection by determining levels of SP-D in a sample are also disclosed. Also disclosed are helminths for treating allergy, inflammation or infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Surfactant Protein D (SP-D) or nucleic acids encoding SP-D or variants thereof such as surfactant protein A or mannan binding lectin for use in the treatment and/or prevention of a parasitic infection. Methods for determining the presence of a parasitic infection by determining levels of SP-D in a sample are also disclosed. Also disclosed are helminths for treating allergy, inflammation or infection.