Abstract: Short deoxyribonucleic acid molecules that are partially single-stranded, dumbbell shaped, and covalently closed, which contain one or more unmethylated cytosine guanosine motif (CpG motif) and exhibit immunomodifying effects. Such molecules can be used for immunostimulation applications in humans and vertebrates.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vaccine that can induce protection against disease especially in consequence of a lentivirus infection, especially an infection with the Feline Leukosis virus. Such vaccine comprises codon-optimized DNA sequences encoding structural proteins and the most important membrane protein of FeLV.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multimeric, non-coding nucleic acid molecule for modulating the activity of the human or animal immune system, and to a production method therefor, and to a vaccine containing said multimeric, non-coding nucleic acid molecule. Said multimeric, non-coding nucleic acid molecules can be non-coding nucleic acid molecules that consist of at least two of said molecules (dimer) or assemblies of several non-coding nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of vectors which, following transfection thereof in eukaryotic cells, are suitable for targeted inhibition of the formation of defined proteins therein by RNA interference. The method for the production of such vectors does not include any PCR steps. It is a three-step procedure in a single reaction vessel and can be carried out within a few hours. Thus, a method is provided which allows very easy testing of a wide variety of siRNA sequences for their functionality within a very short time. Screening processes utilizing the rapid and uncomplicated production of vectors with the aid of said kit can be performed in a cost- and time-saving manner. Another advantage of vectors thus produced is their small size which, among other things, facilitates transfection.

Abstract: The invention relates to expression constructs for targeted inhibition of gene expression and methods for their production and which, after transfection thereof into eukaryotic cells, are suitable for inhibiting in a targeted manner these cells formation of defined proteins by RNA interference, wherein the method is a three step method requiring no PCR steps and is carried out in one reaction vessel in a few hours and are suitable for multiple gene expression inhibition.

Abstract: A substituted, non-coding nucleic acid molecule for modulating the activity of the human or animal immune system, a method for the production thereof, and a vaccine containing said substituted, non-coding nucleic acid molecule. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vaccine that can induce protection against disease especially in consequence of a lentivirus infection, especially an infection with the Feline Leukosis virus. Such vaccine comprises codon-optimized DNA sequences encoding structural proteins and the most important membrane protein of FeLV.

Abstract: Method for producing a circular minimalist expression construct closed in an annular manner, from a double-strand DNA, an expression construct produced according to said method, and the use of the same in gene therapy and vaccination. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: Short deoxyribonucleic acid molecules that are partially single-stranded, dumbbell-shaped, and covalently closed, which contain one or more unmethylated cytosine guanosine motif (CpG motif) and exhibit immunomodifying effects. Such molecules can be used for immunostimulation applications in humans or vertebrates.

Abstract: A remedy to suppress the sensation of pain, especially in chronic inflammatory diseases, by means of expressing endogenous neuroendocrine peptides at the site of inflammation. In particular, the invention relates to the expression of POMC or CRF from locally injected DNA expression constructs, preferably covalently peptide-modified expression constructs.

Abstract: The use of feline interleukin-12 (IL-12) is described as an adjuvant (or immunostimulant) and in the vaccination and therapy of infectious diseases in Felidae. In addition, a procedure is disclosed which makes it possible to express the two subunits of IL-12 in the requisite mass ratio.

Abstract: Short deoxyribonucleic acid molecules that are partially single-stranded, dumbbell-shaped, and covalently closed, which contain one or more unmethylated cytosine guanosine motif (CpG motif) and exhibit immunomodifying effects. Such molecules can be used for immunostimulation applications in humans or vertebrates.

Abstract: A process to obtain linear double-stranded covalently closed DNA “dumbbell” constructs from plasmids by restriction digest, subsequent ligation with hairpin oligodesoxyribonucleotides, optionally in the presence of restriction enzyme, and a final digestion with endo- and exonucleolytic enzymes that degrade all contaminating polymeric DNA molecules but the desired construct. The invention also provides a process to obtain said dumbbell constructs employing endonuclease class II enzymes. Furthermore, the invention provides a process to obtain linear, covalently closed DNA molecules, such as plasmids, free from contamination by genomic DNA, by submitting the DNA preparation to a facultative endonucleolytic degradation step and an obligatory exonucleolytic degradation step.

Abstract: The ballistic transfer transfection technology employs a cold gas shock wave to accelerate microprojectiles that carry matter into cells by mechanical force. The present invention relates to a method that enables separation of transfected cells by co-adsorbing polynucleic acids and nanometer-sized superparamagnetic particles onto the microprojectiles. The transfected cells are rendered magnetically susceptible and can thus be separated by retaining them in a strong magnetic field. The use of the technology in a clinical context is facilitated.

Abstract: The ballistic transfer transfection technology employs a cold gas shock wave to accelerate microprojectiles that carry matter into cells by mechanical force. The present invention relates to a device that splits the cold gas shock wave into several individual shock waves that spread the pressure of the initial shock wave to several projectile launching devices. The number of cells transfected by this new device is increased manyfold, compared to the original apparatus. The use of the technology in a clinical context is facilitated.