Abstract: The present invention relates to a new composition of human recombinant antibody fragments in both single chain or Fab format, which is capable of completely neutralizing the venom of the scorpion Centruroides sculpturatus Ewing (C. sculpturatus. In particular the new composition comprises the scFv fragment 10FG2 (SEQ. ID. No: 1), which has broad cross-reactivity against various Mexican scorpion venom toxins, and the scFv fragment LR (SEQ. ID. No: 2), with more limited cross-reactivity. Alternatively, the new composition comprises the Fab 10FG2 fragment (SEQ. ID. No: 3 and SEQ.ID. No:4) and the Fab LR fragment (SEQ. ID. No: 5 and SEQ.ID. No 6). The two antibody fragments recognize independent epitopes, present in the two main toxins of the scorpion C. sculpturatus, so that they do not interfere with each other during their binding to the same, on the contrary the antibody fragments of the present invention complement the neutralizing activity.

Abstract: Provided are colored 1,4-benzoquinone compounds obtained by oxidation of precursor molecules from the venom of the scorpion Diplocentrus melici (Diplocentridae family). Schemes for the chemical synthesis of these compounds using reagents commercially available are also provided. Biological assays show that the red compound (3,5-dimethoxy-2-(methylthio)cyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione) is very effective at killing Staphylococcus aureus and that the blue compound (5-methoxy-2,3-bis(methylthio)cyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione) has remarkable activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The blue compound is effective against multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and is not detrimental to lung epithelium. Both compounds were found to be cytotoxic to human neoplastic cell lines and to mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

Abstract: The invention relates to the production and the characterization of new murine monoclonal antibodies that recognize the domain CTDL-2 (SEQ ID NO: 1) of the cell receptor DEC-205 of dendritic cells in chickens (Gallus gallus), pigs, (Sus scrofa) and humans (Homo sapiens). The invention also relates to the capacity of the new antibodies to direct and modulate the immune response at different levels in chickens (Gallus gallus) and pigs (Sus scrofa), as well as recognizing the receptor DEC-205 in dentritic cells and cell lines in humans. In addition, the invention is used to quickly produce a specific humoral immune response against Hemaglutinina H5 of the H5N2-type avian flu virus.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production and the characterisation of new murine monoclonal antibodies that recognize the domain CTD-2 (SEQ ID NO: 1) of the cell receptor DEC-205 of dendritic cells in chickens (Gallus gallus), pigs, (Sus scrofa) and humans (Homo sapiens). The invention also relates to the capacity of the new antibodies to direct and modulate the immune response at different levels in chickens (Gallus gallus) and pigs (Sus scrofa), as well as recognising the receptor DEC-205 in dentritic cells and cell lines in humans, In addition, the invention is used to quickly produce a specific humoral immune response against Hemaglutinina H5 of the H5N2-type avian flu virus.

Abstract: Potassium channels Kv1.3 are known to be implicated in immunological diseases and graft rejections. Disclosed are peptides capable of blocking with high affinity and specificity potassium channels Kv1.3, their pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for their use to block Kv1.3 potassium channels, to treat various immunological conditions and to diagnostic applications. Methods for their chemical synthesis and correct folding are also disclosed. Exemplary peptides correspond to protein components (Vm23 and Vm24) isolated from the venom of the Mexican scorpion Vaejovis mexicanus smithi. Vm23 and Vm24 bind to hKv1.3 channels in an almost irreversible manner, showing a Kd value in the order of 3 picomolar range, when applied to human lymphocytes cultures in vitro. Vm24 was chemically synthesized and used in in vivo experiments to successfully treat sensitized rats (on the DTH-response).

Abstract: Potassium channels Kv1.3 are known to be implicated in immunological diseases and graft rejections. Disclosed are peptides capable of blocking with high affinity and specificity potassium channels Kv1.3, their pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for their use to block Kv1.3 potassium channels, to treat various immunological conditions and to diagnostic applications. Methods for their chemical synthesis and correct folding are also disclosed. Exemplary peptides correspond to protein components (Vm23 and Vm24) isolated from the venom of the Mexican scorpion Vaejovis mexicanus smithi. Vm23 and Vm24 bind to hKv1.3 channels in an almost irreversible manner, showing a Kd value in the order of 3 picomolar range, when applied to human lymphocytes cultures in vitro. Vm24 was chemically synthesized and used in in vivo experiments to successfully treat sensitized rats (on the DTH-response).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to recombinant human antibodies specific for Cn2 toxin from C. noxius scorpion venom. The antibodies are able to recognize the toxin and preferably neutralize it as well as the whole venom of C. noxius scorpion. This invention is also directed to a human non-immune phage display library. One clone that specifically binds the Cn2 toxin was affinity matured by directed evolution. Three cycles of maturation were performed and several scFv clones were isolated which specifically recognize toxin Cn2 with increased Kd of 446 fold. All variants were monomeric and only variants 6009F, 6105F and 6103E showed to be capable of neutralizing toxin Cn2 and the whole venom. Variant 6009F recognizes a different epitope than that of BCF2, a murine monoclonal antibody raised against scorpion toxin Cn2 which is also capable of neutralizing both Cn2 toxin and the whole venom when tested in mice, as well as that of commercially available polyclonal antibody fragments antivenom from horse.

Abstract: The invention concerns genes and fusion of genes that code for scorpion toxins and the corresponding polypeptides. The invention also concerns the use of the polypeptides as immunogens for the generation of antibodies that can recognize and neutralize components of scorpion venom as well as for vaccines to prevent envenomation from stings of scorpions of the genus Centruroides, and to immunogenic matrices for the purification of specific immunoglobulins.