Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine for preventing and/or treating Plasmodium falciparum infections, which comprises a polypeptide set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or represented by formula (1), and an adjuvant. X1-A-B-X2-Y-X3-(Y)n-X4-(Y)n-X5??(1) (In the formula, X1 represents the 1st to 7th amino acid residues in a polypeptide set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1; X2 represents the 73th to 177th amino acid residues; X3 represents the 178th to 258th amino acid residues; X4 represents the 259th to 289th amino acid residues; X5 represents the 290th to 334th amino acid residues; A represents an 8-mer repeat sequence contained in a 47-kd region of SERA polypeptide of Plasmodium falciparum; B represents a sequence of a serine-rich region contained in a 47-kd region of SERA polypeptide of Plasmodium falciparum; Y represents any one selected from A-A, A-B, and B; and n is an integer of 0 or 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a fusion protein made from a synthetic gene construct comprising of elements derived from the Leishmania antigens K26, K39, and K9. The fusion protein is particularly useful in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis, particularly visceral leishmaniasis in animals such as humans and dogs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to functional binding fragments comprising the minimal binding fragments of VAR2CSA, to antibodies against such binding fragments of VAR2CSA, nucleic acids encoding such fragments of VAR2CSA as well as methods for their production. The invention further relates to conjugates and fusion proteins of VAR2CSA polypeptides including the minimal binding fragments and their use, in particular in the treatment of conditions associated with expression of chondroitin sulfate A (CSA), such as an inappropriate expression of chondroitin sulfate A (CSA).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of immunogenic peptides comprising a T-cell epitope derived from an intracellular pathogen-associated antigen and a redox motif such as C-(X)2-[CST] or [CST]-(X)2-C in the prevention and/or treatment of infection with an intracellular pathogen and in the manufacture of medicaments therefore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating or monitoring/diagnosing a disease state mediated by activated macrophages. The method comprises the step of administering to a patient suffering from a macrophage mediated disease state an effective amount of a composition comprising a conjugate or complex of the general formula Ab-X where the group Ab comprises a ligand capable of binding to activated macrophages, and when the conjugate is being used for treatment of the disease state, the group X comprises an immunogen, a cytotoxin, or a compound capable of altering macrophage function, and when the conjugate is being used for monitoring/diagnosing the disease state, X comprises an imaging agent. The method is useful for treating a patient suffering from a disease selected from the group consisting of rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, inflammation, infections, osteomyelitis, atherosclerosis, organ transplant rejection, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, and systemic sclerosis.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing, treating and detecting leishmaniasis are disclosed. The compositions generally comprise fusion polypeptides comprising multiple Leishmania antigens, in particular, KMP11, SMT, A2 and/or CBP, or immunogenic portions or variants thereof, as well as polynucleotides encoding such fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: Polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences of particulate antigens isolated from various species of Leishmania protozoa, or immunogenic variants thereof, are disclosed for the treatment and clinical remission of cutaneous leishmaniasis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis and skin papilloma. Also disclosed are nucleic acid sequences encoding such polypeptides, vectors incorporating such nucleic acid sequences, methods for genetically engineering microbial host cells to produce such polypeptides, and such recombinant microbial host cells. The polypeptides induced a TH1 cellular immune response, a positive intradermic reaction, and a blastogenic response in peripheral blood lymphocytes after clinical remission of lesions.

Abstract: Contemplated compositions and methods employ selected antigens form Plasmodium falciparum and can be used as a vaccine, therapeutic agent, and/or diagnostic tool. Especially preferred antigens are post-challenge immunity associated antigens that are identified via pre-infection suppressive treatment, controlled sub-symptomatic infection to develop immunity, and comparative proteomic differential analysis.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for preventing or reducing the severity of malaria.

Abstract: The present invention refers to recombinant DNA molecules codifying fused peptides from different allergens from Blomia tropicalis and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus having potential usefulness in prevention and treatment of allergies caused by domestic mites. Specifically, the invention discloses fusion proteins composed by different fragments of allergens Der p 1, Der p 2, Der p 7, Der p 8, Blo t 5, Blo t 8, Blo t 18, Blo t 12 and Blo t 13 with reduced serum IgE reactivity in allergic and non allergic individuals. It also discloses methods for production of these molecules in an expression system based on E. coli and purification. The invention refers also to effective and safe vaccines.

Abstract: Immunologically active agents are described, including isolated Pneumocystis A 12 protein or polypeptides; immunogenic conjugates containing Pneumocystis A 12 protein or polypeptide of the present invention; antibodies recognizing the Pneumocystis A 12 protein or polypeptide or the immunogenic conjugates of the present invention; and nucleic acid molecules that encode the Pneumocystis A 12 protein or polypeptide of the present invention, as well as DNA constructs, expression vectors, and host cells that contain the nucleic acid molecules. Disclosed uses of the antibodies, immunogenic conjugates, and DNA constructs include inducing passive or active immunity to treat or prevent pathogen infections, particularly by a Pneumocystis organism, in a subject.

Abstract: Compositions of either the aquaporin protein from the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, or a nucleic acid construct incorporating a nucleic acid sequence encoding this aquaporin protein, are effective for eliciting a protective immune response against other tick species in non-bovine animals. The R. microplus aquaporin protein is antigenic and can be administered as a protein vaccine, or in the alternative, the nucleic acid construct can be utilized as a DNA vaccine. Induction of the immune response significantly reduces or eliminates the infestation of treated, non-bovine animals with ticks other than the cattle tick, particularly the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Moreover, as ticks are vectors of a variety of pathogenic agents, the reduction in the incidence of tick infestation afforded by the vaccines may concurrently reduce the incidence of diseases caused by these pathogenic agents in susceptible animals.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to immunogenic compositions and methods of enhancing an immune response to an antigen. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to virus-like carries comprising a TLR5 agonist on the exterior without an antigen.

Abstract: Recombinant protein of the catalytic subunit of the phosphatase Serine/threonine protein of Angiostrongylus costarricensis, and active peptides used in the production of an intranasal anthelmintic vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine for preventing and/or treating Plasmodium falciparum infections, which comprises a polypeptide set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or represented by formula (1), and an adjuvant. X1-A-B-X2-Y-X3-(Y)n-X4-(Y)n-X5??(1) (In the formula, X1 represents the 1st to 7th amino acid residues in a polypeptide set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1; X2 represents the 73th to 177th amino acid residues; X3 represents the 178th to 258th amino acid residues; X4 represents the 259th to 289th amino acid residues; X5 represents the 290th to 334th amino acid residues; A represents an 8-mer repeat sequence contained in a 47-kd region of SERA polypeptide of Plasmodium falciparum; B represents a sequence of a serine-rich region contained in a 47-kd region of SERA polypeptide of Plasmodium falciparum; Y represents any one selected from A-A, A-B, and B; and n is an integer of 0 or 1.

Abstract: Isolated proteins and nucleic acid sequence encoding such protein that interacts with a red blood cell to be invaded by a malaria parasite and link with a component of the actin-myosin based machinery of the malaria parasite are provided. In addition methods for identifying agents which inhibit the function of these proteins as chemotherapeutic and/or immunologic agents for treatment and prevention of malaria infections are provided. Compositions for treatment and prevention of malaria infections and methods for preventing and treating malaria infections are also provided.

Abstract: Two antigenic and immunogenic proteins of the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, and the genes encoding these proteins, are effective for eliciting a protective immune response that controls and prevents infestations of bovines and other livestock by the tick. The proteins isolated from the cattle tick include an aquaporin protein and a TC5777 gut membrane protein. Each of the proteins elicit an immunoprotective response in livestock to the cattle tick, and can be formulated and administered as vaccines. Alternatively, the isolated DNA sequences which encode these proteins can be incorporated into nucleic acid constructs which could be utilized as DNA vaccines. The nucleic acid constructs can also be used for the transformation of cells and the production of recombinant proteins. Induction of the protective immune response controls and prevents infestations of the treated animals with the tick, thereby protecting them against tick-borne pathogen transmission.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions that are useful for eliciting a strain-transcending immune response in an animal or human directed against the blood-stage of the malarial parasite Plasmodium vivax. The compositions are based on the ligand domain of Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein (PvDBPII). Polar charged polymorphic residues within the dominant strain-specific B-cell epitope were mutated to uncharged residues (e.g. serine, alanine and threonine). This DEKnull variant of PvDBPII produced in bacteria can be purified and refolded in vitro to mimic conformation and erythrocyte binding function of native DBPII. Immunogenicity of DEKnull was confirmed by administration to mice. Compared to the naturally-occurring, strain variant DBPII, DEKnull elicits antibodies that are more broadly reactive with different strain variants of DBPII and enhances production of functional inhibitory antibodies to the shared protective epitopes of native DBPII.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid constructions, characterized in that they comprise nucleic acids which are isolated in the sense position and which are capable of coding for an immunogenic protein of promastigotes or amastigotes of Leishmania, said nucleic acids responding to one of the sequences SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5 et SEQ ID NO:11 and coding for a protein respectively exhibiting a sequence SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10 et SEQ ID NO:12. The invention can be used for over-expression of the genes of Leishmania coding for an excretion/secretion antigen.

Abstract: The invention provides adenoviral vectors comprising an adenoviral genome comprising heterologous antigen-encoding nucleic acid sequences, such as Plasmodium nucleic acid sequences, operably linked to promoters. The invention further provides a method of inducing an immune response against malaria in a mammal comprising administering the adenoviral vectors to the mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of correctly folded Pfs48/45. This is achieved in the lactococcus lactis when Pfs48/45 or fractions thereof are fused genetically to a glutamate rich protein, e.g. GLURP from Plasmodium falciparum.

Abstract: The invention provides delivery systems comprised of stabilized multilamellar vesicles, as well as compositions, methods of synthesis, and methods of use thereof. The stabilized multilamellar vesicles may comprise prophylactic, therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protein composition suitable for inducing an immune response in a vertebrate comprising 2 to 10 protein variants of a single antigen, which is the APICAL MEMBRANE ANTIGEN 1 (PfAMA1 OR AMA1) of a Plasmodium species. The antigen comprises a plurality of variable amino acid positions, wherein the amino acid sequences of said protein variants, in combination, represent both the frequency of occurrence of each amino acid at said variable amino acid positions and the linkage between the variable amino acid positions, and wherein said frequency of occurrence is at least between 10% to 20% such as 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, . . . , 20% in the single antigen, and wherein at least 75% of the linkages between the variable amino acid position is presented by the combination of protein variants.

Abstract: Two antigenic and immunogenic proteins of the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, and the genes encoding these proteins, are effective for eliciting a protective immune response that controls and prevents infestations of bovines and other livestock by the tick. The proteins isolated from the cattle tick include an aquaporin protein and a TC5777 gut membrane protein. Each of the proteins elicit an immunoprotective response in livestock to the cattle tick, and can be formulated and administered as vaccines. Alternatively, the isolated DNA sequences which encode these proteins can be incorporated into nucleic acid constructs which could be utilized as DNA vaccines. The nucleic acid constructs can also be used for the transformation of cells and the production of recombinant proteins. Induction of the protective immune response controls and prevents infestations of the treated animals with the tick, thereby protecting them against tick-borne pathogen transmission.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the responsiveness of a Dirofilaria spp. nematode to a macrocyclic lactone, by determining the genotype of the nematode at a position in a P-glycoprotein gene of the nematode corresponding to position 11, and optionally to position 618, in SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the genotype GG at a position corresponding to position 11, or at positions corresponding to positions 11 and 618, in SEQ ID NO: 1 indicates that the nematode is likely resistant to the macrocyclic lactone. The invention also relates to methods for selecting a treatment to treat an animal infected with macrocyclic lactone resistant Dirofilaria spp nematode, and treating the animal; or for selecting a prophylactic to prevent an animal from becoming infected with a macrocyclic lactone resistant Dirofilaria spp nematode, and providing the prophylactic to the animal. The invention further relates to an isolated nucleic acid having at least 80% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: The present invention compositions and methods of using at least a portions of an isolated and purified ?-crystallin polypeptide that includes one or more ?-pleated sheets and that prevents neurotoxicity and amyloidogenesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods useful in the treatment or prevention of a condition caused by or associated with infection by Plasmodium falciparum, such as malaria. The compositions include various antigens of Plasmodium falciparum, both alone and in combination. The invention further includes fragments of the antigens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synthetic antigenic sequence which represents a combination of epitope-containing sequences from the highly polymorphic block 2 repeat region of K1-type Plasmodium falciparum merozite surface antigen (MSP1) and fusion proteins containing that sequence in combination with additional epitope-containing sequences capable of inducing antibody and cellular immune responses to P.

Abstract: Substantially purified salivary Lu. longipalpis polypeptides, and polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides are disclosed. Vectors and host cells including the Lu. longipalpis polynucleotides are also disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed for inducing an immune response to sand fly saliva. In other embodiments, methods for treating, diagnosing, or preventing Leishmaniasis are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are vaccine compositions for control of Trypanosoma cruzi infection and Chagas disease. The compositions comprise plasmids encoding o GPI-anchored genes ASP-2, TcG-1, TcG2 and TcG4 from Trypanosoma cruzi; plasmids encoding cytokines IL12 and GM-CSF; and plasmids encoding a gene expression system. Certain vaccine compositions comprise recombinant proteins, selected from TcG-1, TcG2 and TcG4 from Trypanosoma cruzi. In another vaccination strategy, the recombinant proteins are replaced by lysates comprising Trypanosoma rangeli cells. Further provided herein are diagnosis compositions comprising 1) recombinant proteins, selected from TcG-1, TcG2 and TcG4 from Trypanosoma cruzi; 2) antibodies that specifically binds the TcG-1, TcG2 and TcG4 proteins; 3) sense and antisense polynucleotide sequences that encode the TcG-1, TcG2 and TcG4 proteins. Said compositions can be used in diagnosing and/or evaluating efficacy of treatments against Trypanosoma cruzi infection.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of selecting and uses of anti-arthropod vector vaccines to prevent Leishmaniasis. The present disclosure also provides compositions for vaccines to prevent Leishmaniasis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides from Plasmodium and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention further relates to compositions comprising the polypeptides and their use in the treatment and prevention of malaria.

Abstract: Contemplated compositions, devices, and methods are drawn to various antigens from the pathogen T. gondii and their use in various diagnostic tests, vaccines, and therapeutic agents. In particularly preferred aspects, the antigens are immunodominant and have quantified and known relative reactivities with respect to sera of a population infected with the pathogen, and/or have a known association with a disease parameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides or fragments thereof for use as malaria vaccines. It also relates to nucleic acid molecules coding for the polypeptides of the invention. It further relates to compositions comprising such polypeptides or fragments thereof or the nucleic acid molecules, in particular combinations of such polypeptides or fragments thereof, and the use of such compositions as malaria vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inducing a T-cell response against a Plasmodium species antigen in a subject. These method comprise administering to a subject a composition comprising a bacterium which expresses one or more immunogenic polypeptides, the amino acid sequence of which comprise one or more amino acid sequences derived from wild-type Plasmodium LSA1, Ce1TOS, CSP, and/or TRAP sequences, wherein said amino acid sequences are derived by (i) codon optimization of the wild-type sequence for expression in said bacterium, (ii) deletion of at least one hydrophobic region present in the wild-type sequence, and/or (iii) in the case of LSA1 and CSP, minimization of repeat units present in the wild-type sequence.

Abstract: Two antigenic and immunogenic proteins of the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, and the genes encoding these proteins, are effective for eliciting a protective immune response that controls and prevents infestations of bovines and other livestock by the tick. The proteins isolated from the cattle tick include an aquaporin protein and a TC5777 gut membrane protein. Each of the proteins elicit an immunoprotective response in livestock to the cattle tick, and can be formulated and administered as vaccines. Alternatively, the isolated DNA sequences which encode these proteins can be incorporated into nucleic acid constructs which could be utilized as DNA vaccines. The nucleic acid constructs can also be used for the transformation of cells and the production of recombinant proteins. Induction of the protective immune response controls and prevents infestations of the treated animals with the tick, thereby protecting them against tick-borne pathogen transmission.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing a variety of diseases and conditions that are amenable to immunotherapy and, in one particular embodiment, compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing cancer in an animal are described. Specifically improvements related to the use of a yeast-based vaccine comprising a yeast vehicle and an antigen that is selected to elicit an antigen-specific cellular and humoral immune response in an animal, for use in prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccination and the prevention and/or treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention encompasses phage ?mru including phage induction, phage particles, and the phage genome. Also encompassed are phage polypeptides, as well as polynucleotides which encode these polypeptides, expression vectors comprising these polynucleotides, and host cells comprising these vectors. The invention further encompasses compositions and methods for detecting, targeting, permeabilising, and inhibiting microbial cells, especially methanogen cells, using the disclosed phage, polypeptides, polynucleotides, expression vectors, or host cells.

Abstract: Signal peptides and polypeptides from Methanobrevibacter ruminantium, a methanogenic archaea present in ruminants. Methods of using these peptides to permeabilise microbial cells, particularly M. ruminantium strain M1? (DSM 1093).

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid constructions, characterized in that they comprise nucleic acids which are isolated in the sense position and which are capable of coding for an immunogenic protein of promastigotes or amastigotes of Leishmania, said nucleic acids responding to one of the sequences SEQ ID No. 1, SEQ ID No. 2, SEQ ID No. 3, SEQ ID No. 4, SEQ ID No. 5 et SEQ ID No. 11 and coding for a protein respectively exhibiting a sequence SEQ ID No. 6, SEQ ID No. 7, SEQ ID No. 8, SEQ ID No. 9, SEQ ID No. 10 et SEQ ID No. 12. The invention can be used for over-expression of the genes of Leishmania coding for an excretion/secretion antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of veterinary parasitology, especially of canine Babesiosis. In particular the invention relates to a polypeptide being a novel canine Babesia antigen (CBA), or fragments thereof, and to compositions comprising this antigen, to nucleic acids encoding the antigen, antibodies against the antigen, and medical uses of this antigen, fragments, antibodies, or encoding nucleic acids. In particular the invention relates to the use of such components in vaccines against canine Babesiosis.

Abstract: This invention discloses the use of Heminth Defense Molecules in methods and compositions for modulating immune responses including treating or preventing undesirable or deleterious immune responses.

Abstract: The present invention is related with the isolation and cloning of a new gene, the production of the protein encoded by this gene by using recombinant systems, and the use of this antigen in a vaccine formulation as a purified protein and/or naked DNA, to induce an immune response in aquatic organisms against different ectoparasite species, including the known as sea lice, and pathogens associated with these infestations. The vaccine preparations, administered by oral route, immersion bath or injection, demonstrated its efficacy by producing IgM humoral immune response and reducing the number of parasites per fish in the vaccinated fishes.

Abstract: Vaccines are disclosed against parasites. The vaccines include peptides in an immunological composition. In particular, the parasite is Toxoplas gondii.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a peptide of P0 ribosomal protein in the manufacture of a vaccine composition to control of ectoparasite infestations and therefore the transmission of their associated pathogens. This peptide is located between 267 and 301 amino acids of the P0 protein, and can be obtained by recombinant means or by chemical synthesis. This peptide can be fused to a carrier protein or peptide, or an immuno-carrier and be included in an oily formulation. The formulations comprising the peptide vaccine confer protection against ticks and ectoparasites known as “sea lice” without generating autoimmunity in the host organism. Among these ticks may be mentioned species as Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ixodes scapularis, and between sea lice are those of the Caligus and Lepeophtheirus genera.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel nucleotide sequence and other constructs used for expression of novel recombinant P. falciparum circumsporozoite proteins in bacterial cells such as E. coli. Processes are provided for producing a soluble recombinant P. falciparum CSP from E. coli. Methods to produce a human-grade, highly immunogenic anti-malaria vaccine based on CSP are shown. The novel recombinant P. falciparum circumsporozoite protein by itself or in combination with other malaria antigens or adjuvants can form the basis of an effective malaria vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic agents based on trypanosomes, related compositions, and related methods.

Abstract: The present invention is a multivalent vaccine for immunizing an animal against filariasis. In some embodiments, the antigens of the multivalent vaccine are protein-based, DNA-based, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and kits for inhibiting an allergic response against an allergenic protein are disclosed. Compositions, methods and kits for inhibiting an allergic response against an a flea allergenic protein; a feline allergenic protein; a canine allergenic protein; a dust mite allergenic protein; a peanut allergenic protein; a Japanese cedar allergenic protein; and a blomia tropicalis allergenic protein are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence as shown as SEQ ID No. 1 or a homologue or fragment thereof, a nucleic acid capable of encoding such a polypeptide and a vaccine comprising such a polypeptide/nucleic acid. The vaccine may be used for the treatment and/or prevention of a disease associated with an apicomplexan parasite.