Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment or prevention of neurodegenerative diseases caused by the accumulation of prions. Therapeutic vaccines, antisera and molecular constructs are described. The vaccine is composed of an antigen, such as a prion peptide fragment or epitope that is preferably provided in a liposomal bilayer. In a preferred embodiment, the antigen is a modified amyloid peptide, preferably a palmitoylated PrPc106-126 peptide. Preferably, the antigen is administered in a liposomal bilayer. When administered to an animal, the vaccine elicits a local or systemic, immunogen-specific immune response against amyloid proteins, peptides or fragments, and prevents, stops or hinders amyloid deposition caused by prions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the encapsulation of biologically-active substances in a red blood cell, characterized by an optionally automated, continuous-flow, self-contained electroporation system which allows withdrawal of blood from a patient, separation of red blood cells, encapsulation of a biologically-active substance in the cells, and optional recombination of blood plasma and the modified cells, thereby producing blood with modified biological characteristics. The present invention is particularly suited for use to encapsulate allosteric effectors of hemoglobin, thereby reducing the affinity of erythrocytes for oxygen and improving the release of oxygen from erythrocytes in tissues.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the encapsulation in human or animal erythrocytes of at least one substance having a biological activity, characterized in that the primary compartment of at least one dialysis element is continuously supplied with an aqueous suspension of erythrocytes, the secondary compartment of the dialysis element contains an aqueous solution which is hypotonic with respect to the erythrocyte suspension in order to lyse the erythrocytes, the erythrocyte lysate is in contact with said substance having a biological activity and, in order to reseal the membrane of the erythrocytes, the osmotic and/or oncotic pressure of the erythrocyte lysate is increased after it has been brought into contact with said substance having a biological activity.