Abstract: The disclosure provides immunogen polypeptides comprising fragments of VAR2CSA protein expressed by P. falciparum. Aspects of the disclosed immunogen polypeptides comprise all or portions of the CSA binding regions of VAR2CSA as identified by a structural study of VAR2CSA conducted by the inventors. Also provided are compositions comprising such immunogen polypeptides, and methods of using the immunogen polypeptides for vaccination and treatment of disease.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated placental P. falciparum polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-4 and 6-24, and immunogenic derivatives thereof. The invention also provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the placental P. falciparum polypeptides of the invention, compositions comprising one or more placental P. falciparum polypeptides of the invention, methods for inducing an immune response against the placental P. falciparum polypeptides, and methods for treating and diagnosing placental malaria.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated placental P. falciparum polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-4 and 6-24, and immunogenic derivatives thereof. The invention also provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the placental P. falciparum polypeptides of the invention, compositions comprising one or more placental P. falciparum polypeptides of the invention, methods for inducing an immune response against the placental P. falciparum polypeptides, and methods for treating and diagnosing placental malaria.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated placental P. falciparum polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-4 and 6-24, and immunogenic derivatives thereof. The invention also provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the placental P. falciparum polypeptides of the invention, compositions comprising one or more placental P. falciparum polypeptides of the invention, methods for inducing an immune response against the placental P. falciparum polypeptides, and methods for treating and diagnosing placental malaria.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated placental P. falciparum polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-4 and 6-24, and immunogenic derivatives thereof. The invention also provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the placental P. falciparum polypeptides of the invention, compositions comprising one or more placental P. falciparum polypeptides of the invention, methods for inducing an immune response against the placental P. falciparum polypeptides, and methods for treating and diagnosing placental malaria.

Abstract: In this application is described the expression cloning and functional characterization of the CD36-binding domain of Sequestrin. Sequestrin is a surface protein of 215-250 kD size which does not vary in size between parasite strains. The Sequestrin gene appears to be single-copy-number within the genome; noncytoadherent laboratory parasite strains carry the sequestrin gene but fail to express the protein. Sequestrin binds with high affinity to CD36. Sequestrin protein and sequence can be used as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tool.

Abstract: In this application is described the expression cloning and functional characterization of the CD36-binding domain of Sequestrin. Sequestrin is a surface protein of 215-250 kD size which does not vary in size between parasite strains. The Sequestrin gene appears to be single-copy-number within the genome; noncytoadherent laboratory parasite strains carry the sequestrin gene but fail to express the protein. Sequestrin binds with high affinity to CD36. Sequestrin protein and sequence can be used as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tool.

Abstract: In this application is described the expression cloning and functional characterization of the CD36-binding domain of Sequestrin. Sequestrin is a surface protein of 215-250 kD size which does not vary in size between parasite strains. The Sequestrin gene appears to be single-copy-number within the genome; noncytoadherent laboratory parasite strains carry the sequestrin gene but fail to express the protein. Sequestrin binds with high affinity to CD36. Sequestrin protein and sequence can be used as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates novel methods and compositions for blocking transmission of Plasmodium spp. which cause malaria. In particular, P28 proteins are disclosed which, when administered to a susceptible organism, induce an immune response against a 28 kD protein on the surface of Plasmodium ookinetes and block transmission of malaria.

Abstract: The present invention relates novel methods and compositions for blocking transmission of Plasmodium spp. which cause malaria. In particular, P28 proteins are disclosed which, when administered to a susceptible organism, induce an immune response against a 28 kD protein on the surface of Plasmodium ookinetes and block transmission of malaria.

Abstract: A traction device for providing relief to the spinal column in which a person is suspended from the midsection over a pair of support pads. The angular position of each support pad is independently adjustable, thereby enabling the stretching effect of the traction device to be specifically tailored for the particular injury being treated. A control mechanism for adjusting and locking the angular position of each pad, and a pad with a generally saddle-shaped profile is described.