Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for treating or preventing malaria by administration of a protein kinase inhibitor and optionally one or both of a further protein kinase inhibitor and an antimalarial drug to a mammalian subject infected with or at risk of exposure to Plasmodium sp. In some aspects, the therapeutic and prophylactic regimens of the present disclosure are effective in reducing parasite development in mosquitoes feeding on recipients of the regimens. Additionally, the present disclosure provides methods for screening candidate antimalarial agents.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for inducing an antigen-specific immune response to an antigen in a mammal in need thereof, or potentiating an immune response, by administering to the mammal an effective amount of an isolated Ov-ASP, or at least one subunit of Ov-ASP.

Abstract: No effective vaccine exists for the devastating parasitic disease of Schistosomiasis. The present invention focuses on Sm-p80, a functionally important antigen of Schistosoma mansoni that plays a pivotal role in the schistosome immune evasion process. When used in a novel vaccine formulation, Sm-p80 demonstrates consistent immunogenicity, protective potential, and antifecundity effects. Two novel DNA constructs were made for immunization purposes. Sm-p80 coding sequence was cloned into VR 1020. Additionally, Sm-p80 coding sequence was cloned into pcDNA3.1 with flanking CpG motifs on each end of the Sm-p80 sequence. When used in different vaccine formulations, both of the constructs demonstrate the superior antifecundity and anti-worm effects of Sm-p80, which has great potential as an important vaccine candidate for the reduction of the morbidity associated with schistosome infection.

Abstract: Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting the presence or absence of roundworm in a mammalian sample are disclosed herein. The methods, devices, kits and compositions of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of roundworm in a fecal sample from a mammal that may also be infected with one or more of hookworm, whipworm, and heartworm. Confirmation of the presence or absence of roundworm in the mammal may be made, for example, for the purpose of selecting an optimal course of treating the mammal and/or for the purpose of determining whether the mammal has been rid of the infection after treatment has been initiated.

Abstract: Described is an immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleic acid molecule (ODN) having the structure according to formula (I), wherein any NMP is a 2? deoxynucleoside monophosphate or monothiophosphate, selected from the group consisting of deoxyadenosine-, deoxyguanosine-, deoxyinosine-, deoxycytosine-, deoxyuridine-, deoxythymidine-, 2-methyl-deoxyinosine-, 5-methyl-deoxycytosine-, deoxypseudouridine-, deoxyribosepurine-, 2-amino-deoxyribosepurine-, -6-S-deoxyguanine-, 2-dimethyl-deoxyguanosine- or N-isopentenyl-deoxyadenosine-monophosphate or -monothiophosphate, NUC is a 2? deoxynucleoside, selected from the group consisting of deoxyadenosine-, deoxyguanosine-, deoxyinosine-, deoxycytosine-, deoxyuridine-, deoxythymidine-, 2-methyl-deoxyinosine-, 5-methyl-deoxycytosine-, deoxypseudouridine-, deoxyribosepurine-, 2-amino-deoxyribosepurine-, 6-S-deoxyguanine-, 2-dimethyl-deoxyguanosine- or N-isopentenyl-deoxyadenosine, any X is O or S, a and b are integers from 0 to 100 with the proviso that a+b is between 4 and 150,

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for potentiating a specific immune response to an antigen in a mammal in need thereof. The method comprises administering to the mammal an effective amount of Ov-ASP, or at least one subunit of Ov-ASP, and an antigenic moiety.

Abstract: Provided is a polypeptide composition comprising one or more polypeptides, which polypeptides are immunogenic in a vertebrate such that they cause the vertebrate to produce immune system cells capable of recognizing at least one epitope from an arthropod saliva protein fraction, wherein the arthropod saliva protein fraction has a mass of 40 kDA or less, and wherein the polypeptides are selected independently from: the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID 1-44 or sub-sequences from these sequences, the sub-sequences having 7 amino acids or more; or from polypeptide sequences having 85% homology or more with one or more of the above sequences and contained in one or more of the following databases: GenBank, Protein Data Bank (PDB), SwissProt, Protein Information Resource (PIR), Protein Research Foundation (PRF), or CDS translations of these.

Abstract: The invention relates to a field of tissue repair and regeneration. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition for promoting cutaneous wound healing. In one embodiment, the composition is composed of one or more metazoan parasites or a mimic thereof sufficient to promote helminth-induced type-2 immune response. Preferably, the composition contains N. brasiliensis excretory/secretory antigen (NES) or an immune triggering portion thereof. The invention also relates to a method of accelerating wound healing in a subject in need of such treatment.

Abstract: Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) bearing ?-glucose (?-Glc) that preferentially stimulate human invariant NKT (iNKT) cells are provided. GSLs with ?-glucose (?-Glc) that exhibit stronger induction in humans (but weaker in mice) of cytokines and chemokines and expansion and/or activation of immune cells than those with ?-galactose (?-Gal) are disclosed. GSLs bearing ?-glucose (?-Glc) and derivatives of ?-Glc with F at the 4 and/or 6 positions are provided. Methods for iNKT-independent induction of chemokines by the GSL with ?-Glc and derivatives thereof are disclosed. Methods for immune stimulation in humans using GSLs with ?-Glc and derivatives thereof are provided.

Abstract: Ectoparasite infestation of a substrate like bedding is detected by contacting a sample from the substrate with a polyclonal ectoparasite antibody generated from a whole ectoparasite immunogen, under conditions wherein the antibody specifically binds ectoparasite antigen in the sample.

Abstract: Cloning and characterization of a TgIF2? kinase from Toxoplasma gondii designated TgIF2K-D illustrates that this protein is related to GCN2, an eIF2? kinase known to respond to nutrient starvation in other organisms. TgIF2K-D is present in the cytosol of both intra- and extracellular Toxoplasma and facilitates translational control through TgIF2? phosphorylation in extracellular parasites. Both a TgIF2K-D knockout parasite and a parasite harboring the TgIF2? mutant (S71A substitution) exhibited loss of eIF2? kinase activity which manifested itself as significant fitness defect. Accordingly, eIF2? phosphorylation and translational control are an important mechanism by which vulnerable extracellular parasites protect themselves which searching for a new host cell. TgIF2K-D is an excellent target for development of compounds and therapies that can be used to treat infections caused by Toxoplasma and other eukaryotic parasites, especially parasites that have high homology or identity to TgIF2K-D.

Abstract: Multilayer films comprised of polypeptide epitopes and a toll-like receptor ligand. The multilayer films are capable of eliciting an immune response in a host upon administration to the host. The multilayer films can include at least one designed peptide that includes one or more polypeptide epitopes from a virus, bacteria, fungus or parasite.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition, kit and method for delivering a soft flowable gel to a flock of poultry in barns, but can also be used in hatcheries or free range farms, for treating poultry with a therapeutic agent. The soft flowable gel comprises water, a gelling agent, a therapeutic agent and between about 0.05% and 0.15% xanthan gum.

Abstract: It is disclosed herein that treatment of a subject with an mTOR inhibitor enhances antigen-specific T cell immune responses. Thus, provided herein is a method of enhancing an antigen-specific T cell response in a subject by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an mTOR inhibitor. The antigen can be any antigen, such as an antigen from a pathogen or a vaccine, or a tumor antigen. In some embodiments, the method further comprises administering to the subject a vaccine, such as a virus vaccine or a cancer vaccine. The mTOR inhibitor can be administered either before or after vaccination to enhance the quantity and quality of the T cell immune response and immunological memory. In some examples, the mTOR inhibitor is rapamycin or a rapamycin analog.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel methods for making cochleates and cochleate compositions that include introducing a cargo moiety to a liposome in the presence of a solvent. Also disclosed are cochleates and cochleate compositions that include an aggregation inhibitor, and optionally, a cargo moiety. Additionally, anhydrous cochleates that include a protonized cargo moiety, a divalent metal cation and a negatively charge lipid are disclosed. Methods of using the cochleate compositions of the invention, including methods of administration, are also disclosed.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved in making and using liquid vaccine preparations for oral administration. For example, methods and materials for making and using liquid vaccine preparations for oral administration that include a lyophilized or dried vaccine component (e.g., a lyophilized pathogenic agent such as a lyophilized rotavirus preparation) and a liquid edible oil composition (e.g., a liquid edible oil composition containing one or more medium chain triglycerides) are provided. In some cases, liquid vaccine preparations that include a buffer component (e.g., CaCO3) are provided.

Abstract: Compositions containing sterilized antigens with a high diversity, which can be collected from primitive jungle areas, and uses thereof for balancing immune responses and treating immunological diseases in a subject.

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: Schistosomiasis mansoni is caused by flukes called Schistosoma(es) that enters the human body through the skin in Schistosoma infested waters. The Schistosomes travel from the skin into human blood vessels where they mate, produce antigen containing eggs that travel from the blood vessels into the small intestines, where they are released in the human feces. Male and female Schistosome mates in human blood vessels, male Schistosomes secrete a protein called TGR ? protein to the Trk receptor sites on the females Schistosomes membranes. The process stimulates the formation of chemical SmInAct in female Schistosomes, a chemical necessary for the female Schistosomes to produce eggs. This novel technique describes new methods to inhibit Trk receptor sites on female Schistosome membranes using Trk inhibitor agent to prevent TGR ? proteins from binding to the Trk receptor sites. Thus, preventing SmInAct from being created in female Schistosomes, preventing production of eggs and Schistosomiasis.

Abstract: Malaria vaccines based on polyepitope constructs that elicit cell-mediated immunity against a broad spectrum of malaria parasites and which cover the majority of HLA alleles are provided. Epitopes in the polyepitope constructs are from regions of the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP) known to contain CD4 and CD8 T cell epitopes, and include both epitopes from highly variable and highly conserved regions of CSP.

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 present invention provides compositions and systems for delivery of nanocarriers to cells of the immune system. The invention provides nanocarriers capable of stimulating an immune response in T cells and/or in B cells. The invention provides nanocarriers that comprise an immunofeature surface and an immunostimulatory moiety. In some embodiments, the immunostimulatory moiety is adjuvant. The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising inventive nanocarriers. The present invention provides methods of designing, manufacturing, and using inventive nanocarriers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of combating leishmaniases. Said invention results from the isolation, from wild isolates of Leishmania major, of a protein-coding gene known as LmPDI which has two regions that are identical to the sequence (Cys-Gly-His-Cys) of the potential active site of the protein disulphide isomerase (PDI). The LmPDI protein is predominantly expressed in the most virulent isolates of the parasite. Said protein forms a novel therapeutic target for developing anti-leishmaniasis medicaments and a novel element that can be used in the composition of immunogenic, and possibly vaccinating, preparations which are intended to protect a human or animal host against Leishmania.

Abstract: Vaccine compositions that may be administered to a subject via the buccal and/or sublingual mucosa are provided. Methods for administration and preparation of such vaccine compositions are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions for inducing an immune response in a vertebrate host against a protozoan parasite. In certain embodiments the composition comprises a protozoan parasite comprising a psoralen-modified DNA, whereby said protozoan parasite is killed but metabolically active (KBMA); and optionally a Toll-like receptor agonist.

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 invention provides novel adjuvants and pharmaceutical composition comprising of an adjuvant alone. The invention also provides novel vaccine compositions comprising of an antigen and a novel adjuvant. The novel adjuvant as per present invention is farnesoid-X-receptor (FXR) antagonist. The invention also relates to an adjuvant for variety of antigens. The adjuvant improves antibody production specific to incorporated antigen. The adjuvant also induces cell mediated immune response.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to the treatment or prevention of disease in cattle. More particularly, the invention is directed to the production and use of modified bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) and their use in compositions and vaccines that protect cattle from BHV-1 infection while not suppressing the immunological response in the host. In one example, the invention is directed to the use of modified BHV-1, administered with additional immunogens, either through co-administration and/or through administration in combination vaccines, and the use of these vaccines for the protection of cattle from disease. In one example, use of the modified BHV-1 in the administered compositions facilitates an immune response to or against the additional immunogens.

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: 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: Improved (safer and more effective) methods of therapy using TNF-R agonists, e.g., CD40 agonists are provided. These methods provide for the addition of an amount of a type 1 interferon and/or a TLR agonist that is effective to prevent or reduce the toxicity (liver toxicity) that may otherwise result in some patients of the TNF-R agonist is used as a monotherapy (without the type 1 interferon and/or TLR agonist).

Abstract: Gas-filled microvesicles comprising an antigen bound thereto and to aqueous suspensions containing said microvesicles, for use in immunomodulating formulations, in particular as a vaccine. The antigen is covalently bound to a component of the microvesicles envelope. The microvesicles of the invention are particularly effective in the uptake by antigen-presenting cells, in particular dendritic cells.

Abstract: The disclosure provides novel antigens involved in gestational malaria, and more particularly to polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences, conjugates, cloning vectors including the sequences for the preparation of immunogenic compositions and vaccines, antibodies, and to their for treating gestational malaria. Diagnostic methods and kits are described.

Abstract: The polynucleotide encoding the antigen Wb123 from the filarial nematode Wuchereria bancrofti, the major causative organism of lymphatic filariasis is provided, along with the polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide. Methods for making the WM23 antigen, recombinant vectors encoding the Wb123 polynucleotide, and methods of detection of the Wb123 antigen through luciferase immunprecipitation, ELISA and other detection systems are also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns an immunogenic composition comprising: i) an antigenic polypeptide consisting of a fragment of the protein histone H2B of Leishmania, said fragment including the N-terminal region of said protein histone H2B, and ii) an adjuvant stimulating the immune response.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and the use of the compositions for protection against pathogens comprising an isolated internal pathogenic protein, a TLR agonist and an aluminum salt.

Abstract: Multilayer films comprised of polypeptide epitopes and a toll-like receptor ligand. The multilayer films are capable of eliciting an immune response in a host upon administration to the host. The multilayer films can include at least one designed peptide that includes one or more polypeptide epitopes from a virus, bacteria, fungus or parasite.

Abstract: A process for preparing a lyophilised vaccine antigen, comprising steps of (i) increasing the concentration of an antigen in a liquid composition including that antigen using centrifugal filtration and/or ultrafiltration, to provide a concentrated antigen, and (ii) lyophilising the concentrated antigen, to provide the lyophilised vaccine antigen. The lyophilised material can be reconstituted and used for vaccine formulation. The process is particularly useful with influenza vaccine antigens.

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: Described are methods for inducing an immune response in a subject against an antigen from a malaria-causing parasite, preferably P.

Abstract: The present invention includes a composition including as one component a slurry matrix that is a liquid at room temperature and a gel at physiological pH, physiological salt concentrations and/or physiological temperatures and as a second component one or more antigens. Also include are methods of inducing an immune response in a subject and vaccinating a subject by administering such compositions.

Abstract: Microparticles with adsorbent surfaces, methods of making such microparticles, and uses thereof, are disclosed. The microparticles comprise a polymer, such as a poly(?-hydroxy acid), a polyhydroxy butyric acid, a polycaprolactone, a polyorthoester, a polyanhydride, and the like, and are formed using cationic, anionic, or nonionic detergents. The surface of the microparticles efficiently adsorb biologically active macromolecules, such as DNA, polypeptides, antigens, and adjuvants. Also provided are compositions of an oil droplet emulsion having a metabolizable oil and an emulsifying agent. Immunogenic compositions having an immunostimulating amount of an antigenic substance, and an immunostimulating amount of an adjuvant composition are also provided.

Abstract: Nucleic acid immunisation is achieved by delivering a self-replicating RNA encapsulated within a small particle. The RNA encodes an immunogen of interest, and the particle may deliver this RNA by mimicking the delivery function of a natural RNA virus. Thus the invention provides a non-virion particle for in vivo delivery of RNA to a vertebrate cell, wherein the particle comprises a delivery material encapsulating a self-replicating RNA molecule which encodes an immunogen. These particles are useful as components in pharmaceutical compositions for immunising subjects against various diseases.

Abstract: Described is an immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleic acid molecule (ODN) having the structure according to formula (I), wherein any NMP is a 2? deoxynucleoside monophosphate or monothiophosphate, selected from the group consisting of deoxyadenosine-, deoxyguanosine-, deoxyinosine-, deoxycytosine-, deoxyuridine-, deoxythymidine-, 2-methyl-deoxyinosine-, 5-methyl-deoxycytosine-, deoxypseudouridine-, deoxyribosepurine-, 2-amino-deoxyribosepurine-, -6-S-deoxyguanine-, 2-dimethyl-deoxyguanosine- or N-isopentenyl-deoxyadenosine-monophosphate or -monothiophosphate, NUC is a 2? deoxynucleoside, selected from the group consisting of deoxyadenosine-, deoxyguanosine-, deoxyinosine-, deoxycytosine-, deoxyuridine-, deoxythymidine-, 2-methyl-deoxyinosine-, 5-methyl-deoxycytosine-, deoxypseudouridine-, deoxyribosepurine-, 2-amino-deoxyribosepurine-, 6-S-deoxyguanine-, 2-dimethyl-deoxyguanosine- or N-isopentenyl-deoxyadenosine, any X is O or S, a and b are integers from 0 to 100 with the proviso that a+b is between 4 and 150,

Abstract: RNA encoding an immunogen is co-delivered to non-immune cells at the site of delivery and also to immune cells which infiltrate the site of delivery. The responses of these two cell types to the same delivered RNA lead to two different effects, which interact to produce a strong immune response against the immunogen. The non-immune cells translate the RNA and express the immunogen. Infiltrating immune cells respond to the RNA by expressing type I interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines which produce a local adjuvant effect which acts on the immunogen-expressing non-immune cells to upregulate major histocompatibility complex expression, thereby increasing presentation of the translated protein to T cells. The effects on the immune and non-immune cells can be achieved by a single delivery of a single RNA e.g. by a single injection.

Abstract: RNA encoding an immunogen is co-delivered to non-immune cells at the site of delivery and also to immune cells which infiltrate the site of delivery. The responses of these two cell types to the same delivered RNA lead to two different effects, which interact to produce a strong immune response against the immunogen. The non-immune cells translate the RNA and express the immunogen. Infiltrating immune cells respond to the RNA by expressing type I interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines which produce a local adjuvant effect which acts on the immunogen-expressing non-immune cells to upregulate major histocompatibility complex expression, thereby increasing presentation of the translated protein to T cells. The effects on the immune and non-immune cells can be achieved by a single delivery of a single RNA e.g. by a single injection.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition including an adjuvant effective amount of a protected inosine monophosphate (IMP) compound. The pharmaceutical composition includes the protected IMP compound alone, or in combination with vaccine agents with or without additional adjuvants. The pharmaceutical composition can be utilized as a vaccine composition or can be included with existing vaccine compositions in order to increase a specific T lymphocyte mediated immune response thereto. Various methods relating to the pharmaceutical composition and the vaccine are described herein. The vaccines can be employed to prevent or treat infections. Additionally, the pharmaceutical compositions not only increase T-cell responses, but also confer, by pretreatment, non-specific protection against a variety of pathogens. This combination of actions is appropriate for enhancing defense against bioterrorism with organisms like smallpox and anthrax.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of eliciting or otherwise inducing an effective immune response to a micro-organism and compositions for use therein. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of inducing an immune response to a parasite utilising an immunogenic composition comprising a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (referred to herein as “GPI”) inositolglycan domain or its derivatives. Even more particularly, the present invention contemplates an immunogenic composition comprising the Plasmodium falciparum GPI inositolglycan domain or its derivatives. The present invention is useful, inter alia, as a prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment for disease conditions such as, for example, infection by parasites and in particular infection by Plasmodium species.

Abstract: RNA encoding an immunogen is delivered to a large mammal at a dose of between 2 ?g and 100 ?g. Thus the invention provides a method of raising an immune response in a large mammal, comprising administering to the mammal a dose of between 2 ?g and 100 ?g of immunogen-encoding RNA. Similarly, RNA encoding an immunogen can be delivered to a large mammal at a dose of 3 ng/kg to 150 ng/kg.