Abstract: In this application is the expression and purification of a recombinant Plasmodium falciparum (3D7) MSP-142. The method of the present invention produces a highly purified protein which retains folding and disulfide bridging of the native molecule. The recombinant MSP-142 is useful as a diagnostic reagent, for use in antibody production, and as a vaccine.

Abstract: Compositions that inhibit the binding of Plasmodium falciparum to erythrocytes include a family of erythrocyte binding proteins (EBPs). The EBPs are paralogues of the P. falciparum binding protein EBA-175. The present invention includes peptides of the paralogues that prevent the binding of P. falciparum. Antibodies specific for each paralogue that also prevent the binding of P. falciparum are also included. Methods of the invention utilize the paralogues, antibodies thereof and peptide compositions for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of P. falciparum diseases such as malaria, as well as methods for the detection of P. falciparum in biological samples and culture media.

Abstract: Preparations which elicit an immune response to hookworm antigens and which may be utilized as hookworm vaccines are provided. In addition, a method of increasing the effectiveness of vaccinations against infectious diseases in patients infected with hookworm is provided. The method involves chemically treating the hookworm infestation prior to administering the vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding Ostertagia ostertagi proteins and to parts of such nucleic acid sequences that encode an immunogenic fragment of such proteins, and to DNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules, live recombinant carriers and host cells comprising such nucleic acid sequences or such parts thereof. The invention also relate to Ostertagia ostertagi proteins and immunogenic parts thereof encoded by such sequences. Furthermore, the present invention relates to vaccines comprising such nucleic acid sequences and parts thereof, DNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules, live recombinant carriers and host cells comprising such nucleic acid sequences or such parts thereof, proteins or immunogenic parts thereof and antibodies against such proteins or immunogenic thereof. Also, the inventions relates to the use of said proteins in vaccines and for the manufacture of vaccines.

Abstract: In this application is described the expression and purification of a recombinant Plasmodium falciparum (FVO) MSP-142. The method of the present invention produces a highly purified protein that retains folding and disulfide bridging of the native molecule. The recombinant MSP-142 is useful as a diagnostic reagent, for use in antibody production, and as a vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel product and method for isolating ectoparasite saliva proteins, and a novel product and method for detecting and/or treating allergic dermatitis in an animal. The present invention includes a saliva protein collection apparatus capable of collecting ectoparasite saliva proteins substantially free of contaminating material. The present invention also relates to ectoparasite saliva proteins, nucleic acid molecules having sequences that encode such proteins, and antibodies raised against such proteins. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins and to use such proteins to identify animals susceptible to or having allergic dermatitis. The present invention also includes therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins and their use to treat animals susceptible to or having allergic dermatitis.

Abstract: In this application is the expression and purification of a recombinant Plasmodium vivax (SalI) PvMSP-1 p42. The method of the present invention produces a highly purified protein which retains folding and disulfide bridging of the native molecule. The recombinant PvMSP-1 p42 is useful as a diagnostic reagent, for use in antibody production, and as a vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to carbohydrates capable of acting as receptors for malaria antigens present on the surfaces of malaria infected erythrocytes. The receptors according to the invention comprises negatively charged glycosaminoglycan-like moities, preferably sulphated. The invention also relates to novel malaria polypeptides capable of acting as ligands in relation to the receptors according to the invention. The invention also encompasses the use thereof as medicaments, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same as well as antibodies directed against said new ligands.

Abstract: Mucosal administration of OspA and compositions therefor are disclosed and claimed. More particularly, oral administration of OspA and compositions therefor for eliciting an immunological response against Borrelia burgdorferi, such as a protective response preventive of Lyme disease are disclosed and claimed. Thus, oral Lyme disease vaccines or immunological compositions and methods of use are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding novel Babesia canis associated proteins and to cDNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules and live recombinant carriers comprising these sequences. Furthermore, the invention relates to host cells comprising such nucleic acid sequences, cDNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules and live recombinant carriers. Also, the invention relates to proteins encoded by these nucleotide sequences, to vaccines for combating Babesia canis infections comprising these proteins or genetic material encoding these proteins and methods for the preparation of vaccines. Another embodiment of the invention relates to these Babesia canis associated proteins for use in vaccines and to the use of the Babesia canis associated proteins in the manufacture of vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro diagnostic method for malaria in an individual comprising placing a tissue or a biological fluid taken from an individual in contact with a molecule or polypeptide composition, wherein said molecule or polypeptide composition comprises one or more peptide sequences bearing all or part of one or more T epitopes of the proteins resulting from the infectious activity of P. falciparum, under conditions allowing an in vitro immunological reaction to occur between said composition and the antibodies that may be present in the tissue or biological fluid, and in vitro detection of the antigen-antibody complexes formed. The invention further relates to a polypeptide comprising at least one T epitope from a liver-stage specific protein produced by P. falciparum and a vaccine composition directed against malaria comprising a molecule having one or more peptide sequences bearing all or part of one or more T epitopes resulting from the infectious activity of P.

Abstract: A non-naturally occurring variant of a C-terminal fragment of a Plasmodium merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1) wherein said variant has (i) a reduced affinity, compared with a naturally occurring Plasmodium MSP-119, for at least one first antibody capable of blocking the binding of a second antibody, which second antibody inhibits the proteolytic cleavage of Plasmodium MSP-142 and (ii) substantially the same affinity for at least one third antibody compared with said naturally occurring Plasmodium MSP-119. which third antibody inhibits the proteolytic cleavage of Plasmodium MSP-142 is provided for use in an anti-malarial vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic compositions comprising as an immunogen a long synthetic or recombinant peptide of a merozoite surface protein 3b (MSP-3b) peptide, an MSP-3c peptide and a MSP-3d peptide. Vaccines against malaria are also disclosed using these peptides alone or in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Methods for improving binding of a proteinaceous substance to cell-wall material of a Gram-positive bacterium are disclosed. The proteinaceous substance includes an AcmA cell-wall binding domain, homolog or functional derivative thereof. The method includes treating the cell-wall material with a solution capable of removing a cell-wall component such as a protein, lipoteichoic acid or carbohydrate from the cell-wall material and contacting the proteinaceous substance with the cell-wall material.

Abstract: Polypeptide molecules containing at least 10 consecutive amino acids of the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 2, representing the LSA3 antigen, the following peptides being excluded: RDELFNELLNSVDVNGEVKENILEESQVNDDIFNSLVKSVQQEQQHNVEE VEESVEENDEESVEENVEENVENNDDGSVASSVEESIASSVDESIDSSIE- ENVAPTVEEIVAPTVEEIVAPSVVEKCAPSVEESVAPSVEESVAEMLKER (729S) RDELFNELLNSVDVNGEVKENILEESQVNDDIFNSLVKSVQQEQQHN DELFNELLNSVDVNGEVKENILEESQ, (NRI) LEESQVNDDIFSNSLVKSVQQEQQHNV, (NRII) VESVAPSVEESVAPSVEESVAENVESSV.

Abstract: Vaccines and methods for inducing an immune response in a ruminant. The vaccine composition including pathogen and tick-derived antigens and a carrier or diluent. The method for inducing an immune response in a ruminate to provide immune protection which reduces the infection of ticks by A. marginale and/or prevents the transmission of the pathogen includes the steps of administering to the ruminant an effective amount of the vaccine composition having at least one antigen member of the group comprising at least one antigen member of the group comprising (i) recombinant MSP1a surface protein antigen of A. marginale, (ii) a subunit of recombinant MSP1a surface protein antigen of A. marginale and (iii) recombinant MSP1a surface protein antigen or subunits thereof in combination with antigen preparation derived from A. marginale infected cultured tick IDE8 cells and/or other pathogen and tick-derived antigens, and a carrier or diluent.

Abstract: An immunovariant strain of Eimeria maxima was isolated. Vaccines incorporating the immunovariant strain are effective in eliciting immunological protection against coccidial infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant protein fabricated in a baculovirus system, of which the essential constitutive polypeptide sequence is that of a C-terminal fragment of 19 kilodalton (p19) of the surface protein 1 (protein MSP-1) of the merozoite parasite of the Plasmodium type, particularly Plasmodium falciparum, which is infectious for humans, said C-terminal fragment remaining normally anchored at the surface of the parasite at the end of its penetration phase into human erythrocytes, in the occurrence of an infectious cycle. Said recombinant protein is applicable to the production of vaccines against malaria.

Abstract: Purified, host-specific, non-toxic, wide host range and virulent bacteriophage preparations that are effective in killing bacterial organisms in vivo are disclosed. Also disclosed are compositions containing these bacteriophages, methods of making the bacteriophage preparations and methods of treating bacterial infections using the compositions. Methods of treating bacterial infections using the compositions containing the bacteriophages in combination with conventional antibiotics also are disclosed.

Abstract: Vaccines and methods useful to induce an immune response which is protective to reduce the severity or prevent infection by ehrlichial parasites of the species Anaplasma marginale utilizing recombinant MSP1a surface protein antigens alone or in combination with tick cell culture derived A. marginale.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of the major OprI lipoprotein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to elicit a Type-1 immune response towards a heterologous antigen. The invention relates specifically to the use of OprI—antigen fusion proteins to elicit the Type-1 response. More particularly, the present invention is directed to pharmaceutical formulations comprising OprI and/or OprI fusion proteins, optionally together with a suitable excipient, to stimulate the Th1 dependent, cellular immune response.

Abstract: A substantially pure, isolated, antigenic protein from fungi of the genus Malassezia, characterized in that said antigenic protein has a binding ability to IgE antibodies from patients with allergies; an antigenic fragment derived from the antigenic protein; and an antibody against the antigenic protein or fragments thereof. According to the present invention, there can be provided an isolated and purified antigenic protein having high purity from Malassezia, antigenic fragments thereof, and a specific antibody against those antigenic protein or fragments thereof. In addition, there can be provided a diagnostic agent, a therapeutic agent, or a prophylactic drug for Malassezia allergies, wherein the agent includes, as an active ingredient, the antigenic protein or fragments thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides adenoviral vectors comprising cell status-specific transcriptional regulatory elements which confer cell status-specific transcriptional regulation on an adenoviral gene. A “cell status” is generally a reversible physiological and/or environmental state. The invention further provides compositions and host cells comprising the vectors, as well as methods of using the vectors.

Abstract: Diagnostic tools for for serodiagnosing ehrlichiosis in mammals, particularly in members of the Canidae family and in humans are provided. The diagnostic tools are a group of outer membrane proteins of E. chaffeensis and variants thereof, referred to hereinafter as the “OMP proteins”, a group of outer membrane proteins of E. canis and variants thereof referred to hereinafter as the “P30F proteins”, and antibodies to the OMP proteins and the P30F proteins. The OMP proteins of E. chaffeensis encompass OMP-1, OMP-1A, OMP1-B, OMP-1C, OMP1-D, OMP1-E, OMP1-F, OMP1-H, OMP-1R, OMP-1S, OMP-1T, OMP-1U, OMP-1V, OMP-1W, OMP-1X, OMP-1Y and OMP-1Z. The P30F proteins of E. canis encompass P30, P30a, P30-1, P30-2, P30-3, P30-4, P30-5, P30-6, P30-7, P30-8, P30-9, P30-10, P30-11, and P30-12. Isolated polynucleotides that encode the E. chaffeensis OMP proteins and isolated polynucleotides that encode the E. canis P30F protein are also provided.

Abstract: This invention discloses purified complete microsporidian polar tube proteins and the proteins, the amino acid sequences of which are represented in the attached sequence listings as SEQ ID No: 1, SEQ ID No: 2, SEQ ID No: 3, SEQ ID No: 4, SEQ ID No: 5. The invention discloses the genes coding these proteins and their use in the fields of diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a var gene and corresponding protein that modulates adhesion of parasitized red blood cells to chondroitin sulfate A. Novel biological tools, prophylactics, therapeutics, diagnostics, and methods of use of the foregoing are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gene encoding a protein from merozoite of Babesia caballi, a recombinant protein of Babesia caballi, and an antibody capable specifically binding to a 48 kDa protein of rhoptry of Babesia caballi merozoite. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to stably prepare the 48 kDa protein of rhoptry of Babesia caballi and the gene encoding said protein in a large amount with the recombinant DNA technique. The present invention also provides a method for diagnosing equine babesiasis which comprises either specifically detecting anti-Babesia caballi antibody present in equine blood by using the recombinant protein of present invention as an .antigen or detecting the presence of Babesia caballi merozoite in equine blood by using the antibody of the present invention.

Abstract: A recombinant protein is provided which comprises peptides derived from different stages in the life cycle of parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The protein is useful as a reagent and, when combined with a pharmaceutically-acceptable vehicle or carrier, is useful as a vaccine against the material parasite Plasmodium falciparum. A genetic construct used to produce this recombinant protein vaccine is also described. In addition, antibodies to this recombinant protein are provided which are useful for the detection and measurement of peptides derived from different stages in the life cycle of the parasite Plasmodium falciparum.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding Plasmodium sp. chitinases. Expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid molecules are also provided, as well as methods for increasing or decreasing the expression of the chitinase in host cells. The invention further provides methods of screening a substance for the ability of the substance to modify chitinase function, and a method for isolating other chitinase molecules. DNA oligomers capable of hybridizing to the nucleic acid molecule encoding the chitinase are provided, which can be used to detect chitinase in a sample. An isolated Plasmodium sp. chitinase is also provided. Antibodies specific for the chitinase, and fragments thereof, are provided, as are compositions comprising the chitinase and a compatible carrier. The subject invention further provides methods of preventing infection of mosquitoes by Plasmodium sp. and methods of preventing transmission of malaria.

Abstract: A gene encoding a 29 kilodalton protein found on the surface of merozoite stage S. neurona has been cloned and sequenced. The protein encoded by this gene, termed SnSAG-1, is an immunodominant antigen recognized on protein blots. Methods for using nucleic acids and polypeptides relating to SnSAG-1 in diagnostic tests and vaccine development are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transmission blocking vaccines against malaria. Vaccines of the present invention contain a recombinant virus encoding all, or a unique portion, of the 25 kDa sexual stage surface protein of Plasmodium falciparum, Pfs25, or the Pfs25 protein purified from host cells infected with the above-described recombinant virus. Mice inoculated with the recombinant virus developed antibodies with transmission blocking activity. The present invention also relates to recombinant viruses used in the vaccines of the present invention, host cells infected with the recombinant viruses of the present invention and methods of preventing or treating malarial infections using the vaccines of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to the prevention of leishmaniasis in animals, particularly infection caused by Leishmania sp., based on the use of Leishmania infantum P36 protein or an immunogenic fragment of the latter, or involving an expression system for the mentioned protein or fragment—optionally in combination with a compound stimulating the production of a Th1-type cellular immune response—and comprising various vaccination protocols in application to Leishmania sp. based on the mentioned vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: parasitic helminth cuticlin proteins; parasitic helminth cuticlin nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode such cuticlin proteins; antibodies raised against such cuticlin proteins; and compounds that inhibit parasitic helminth cuticlin activity. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds. Also included in the present invention are therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies and/or inhibitory compounds as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to protect animals from diseases caused by parasitic helminths.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and pharmaceutical compositions for inducing pancreatic hormone production.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided to identify functional mutant ribosomes that may be used as drug targets. The compositions and methods allow isolation and analysis of mutations that would normally be lethal and allow direct selection of rRNA mutants with predetermined levels of ribosome function. The compositions and methods of the present invention may be used to identify antibiotics to treat a large number of human pathogens through the use of genetically engineered rRNA genes from a variety of species. The invention further provides novel plasmid constructs to be used in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: DNA sequences encoding epitopes to which sporozoite-neutralizing antibodies are directed are provided. Recombinant proteins and synthetic peptides containing Cryptosporidium parvum epitopes for inducing an antigenic response are described.

Abstract: The infection of a mammalian host by a microorganism can be prevented or treated through the alteration of the C. albicans homologue of the high affinity phosphodiesterase, PDE2, gene and/or the adenylate cyclase-associated protein gene. These methods may be used in the identification, prevention or treatment of microbial infection of mammalian hosts such as immunocompromised or immunosuppressed humans, for example, those having AIDS or undergoing transplantation or anti-cancer therapy.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunostimulatory nucleic acid comprising CpG motifs, and methods of use thereof in stimulating immunity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inducing angiogenesis in a tissue, by contacting the tissue with an amount of Ov-ASP effective to induce angiogenesis in the tissue. The present invention further provides a method for screening for an anti-Ov-ASP factor, by contacting a factor of interest with Ov-ASP, and assessing the ability of the factor to inhibit angiogenic activity of Ov-ASP. Additionally, the present invention provides a method for inhibiting angiogenesis in a subject.

Abstract: A method of making antibodies to hirudin by immunizing with an immunogenic composition containing polymerized hirudin monomers in the absence of carrier protein is taught.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a genetically engineered P30 antigen and a combination or mixture of antigens (e.g., the genetically engineered P30 antigen and P35) that may be used in the detection of IgM and/or IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to methods of using this genetically engineered P30 antigen and combination of antigens, antibodies raised against this genetically engineered P30 antigen and combination of antigens, as well as kits and vaccines containing the genetically engineered P30 antigen and antigens present in the combination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogenic complex comprising a ribosomal complex of a microbe and a polynucleotide molecule encoding an antigen originating, derived from, or deduced from a microbe or a virus. The Ribosomal Complex is composed of the subunits of ribosomes (50 S and 30 S subunits in bacteria and 60 S and 40 S subunits in eucaryotes), the ribosomal subunits generally retaining sufficient integrity to preserve substantially the double-stranded nature of the large r-RNA's (16 S and 23S in bacteria; 18S and 28S in eukaryotic cytosol) contained in the ribosomal subunits.

Abstract: Recombinant proteins have been developed for the immunization of animals against cryptosporidiosis. The proteins are effective for the immunization of a variety of animals against Cryptosporidium parvum, particularly for the production of hyperimmune colostrum that may be used to confer passive immunity against the parasite. Isolated DNA sequences which encode these proteins have also been developed. The DNA sequences may be inserted into recombinant DNA molecules such as cloning vectors or expression vectors for the transformation of cells and the production of the proteins.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing, treating and detecting leishmaniasis and stimulating immune responses in patients are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least an immunogenic portion of one or more Leishmania antigens, or a variant thereof. Vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such polypeptides, or DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides, are also provided and may be used, for example, for the prevention and therapy of leishmaniasis, as well as for the detection of Leishmania infection.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunostimulatory nucleic acid comprising CpG motifs, and methods of use thereof in stimulating immunity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding Ostertagia ostertagi proteins and to parts of such nucleic acid sequences that encode an immunogenic fragment of such proteins, and to DNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules, live recombinant carriers and host cells comprising such nucleic acid sequences or such parts thereof; to Ostertagia ostertagi proteins and immunogenic parts thereof encoded by such sequences; to vaccines comprising such nucleic acid sequences and parts thereof, DNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules, live recombinant carriers and host cells comprising such nucleic acid sequences or such parts thereof, proteins or immunogenic parts thereof and antibodies against such proteins or immunogenic parts thereof; to the use of said proteins in vaccines and for the manufacture of vaccines; to the use of said nucleic acid sequences, proteins or antibodies for diagnostic or vaccination purposes; and to diagnostic kits comprising such nucleic acids, proteins or antibodies against s

Abstract: Microbial infection may be treated by administration of a fusion protein comprising one or more recognition sequences and at least one antimicrobial peptide. In preferred embodiments, a linker peptide connects the recognition sequence and one or more antimicrobial peptides. The recognition sequence may be an immunoglobulin molecule, or fragment thereof, that specifically binds to a target antigen present on a pathogen. The recognition sequence may also be a non-immunological polypeptide, providing that the polypeptide binds specifically to a particular ligand. In presently preferred embodiments the recognition sequence is monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to S. mutans and the antimicrobial peptides are derivatives of histatin.

Abstract: Synthetic gene sequences encoding erythrocyte binding protein of a malaria pathogen for the expression of the erythrocyte binding protein. The codon composition of the synthetic gene sequences approximates the mammalian codon composition. The synthetic gene sequences are useful for incorporation into the DNA vaccine vectors, for the incorporation into various expression vectors for production of malaria proteins, or both. The synthetic genes may be modified to avoid post-translational modification of the encoded protein in hosts. Administration of the synthetic gene sequences, or the encoded protein, as an immunization agent is useful for induction of immunity against malaria, treatment of malaria, or both.

Abstract: Chimeric gene formed by the DNA sequences that encode the antigenic determinants of four proteins of L. infantum, useful for the serological diagnosis of canine Leishmaniosis and protein obtained, that consists of the prior employment of a cloning strategy. A clone is obtained which expresses the protein rLiPO-Ct-Q (pPQI). To this initial vector, by means of the use of suitable restriction targets, DNA fragments are sequentially added that are encoded in other proteins and after each cloning step the correct orientation of each one of the inserts reduces the size of the expression products, the complete nucleotide sequence of the final pPQV clone being determined. A chimeric polypeptide encoded by the chimeric gene is obtained with a molecular mass of 38 kD and with an isoelectric point of 7.37. This chimeric polypeptide is useful for preventing and/or treating leishmaniosis in animals or humans.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunogenic composition comprising at least one antigen in association with microparticles, wherein the microparticles are in the same size range as viruses. In addition the invention also provides vaccine compositions and methods of eliciting immune responses in a subject.