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: Disclosed are immunogenic conjugates which elicit an immune response to Plasmodium proteins. In particular examples, the Plasmodium proteins include sexual stage surface proteins, circumsporozoite protein (CSP), or immunogenic portions of CSP. Also provided herein are immunogenic compositions including one or more of the disclosed immunogenic conjugates and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Further provided is a method of eliciting an immune response to Plasmodium in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an immunogenic composition disclosed herein.

Abstract: A multivalent anthelmintic vaccine targets both hookworm and schistosomiasis. The vaccine includes, at a minimum, a recombinant third-stage larval hookworm antigen, a recombinant adult stage hookworm antigen, and a recombinant schistosome antigen. Preferably, the hookworm antigens are Necator americanus antigens, although antigens from other hookworm species (e.g. Ancylostoma duodenale) may also be employed. The schistosome antigen is preferably a Schistosoma mansoni or a Schistosoma haematobium antigen although antigens from other schistosome species (e.g. Schistosoma japonicum) may also be employed. In some cases full or partial sequences of schistosome antigens may be fused with full or partial sequences of hookworm {Necator americanus) to produce recombinant chimeric antigens.

Abstract: Use of an ubiquitination pathway-related factor, its agonist or antagonist in the preparation of a composition for regulating FOXP3, IL-2, and/or IFN-? activity, in which the ubiquitination pathway-related factor is selected from: Toll-like receptor, ubiquitin ligase, pro-inflammatory cytokine family receptor, and/or its coding sequence. The new type of regulatory factors can regulate regulatory T cells and immune system by regulating FOXP3, IL-2, and/or IFN-? activity. The regulatory factors and their derivatives can also be used as immunoadjuvant for treating or preventing major diseases (such as, infectious diseases and tumor, etc).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid of the general formula (I): GlXmGn, which may be modified by a lipid. The invention relates further to a pharmaceutical composition containing an immune-stimulating agent according to the invention in combination with a pharmaceutically active carrier/vehicle (and, optionally, further auxiliary substances, additives and/or further adjuvants). The present invention can relate to a vaccine, which corresponds to a pharmaceutical composition of the invention, wherein the pharmaceutically active component induces a specific immune response (e.g. an antigen). The present invention can relate to the use of a nucleic acid of the invention or a pharmaceutical composition according to the invention for the treatment of infectious diseases, autoimmune disease, allergies or cancer diseases.

Abstract: A novel dendritic cell type has been identified within bone marrow, termed myelos interferon dendritic cells (miDC). These novel cells possess the high IFN-alpha producing activity of pDC, but they also display a wide TLR responsiveness along with T-cell stimulation capacities that more closely resemble the conventional DC populations. Moreover, these cells appear less prone to apoptosis upon activation stimuli, including viruses. These cells constitute a novel bone marrow innate immune cell type, ideally geared to linking innate and adaptive immune responses via their potent IFN-alpha production and high cell stimulatory capacity.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions are described herein which comprise microparticles that further comprise a biodegradable polymer. The microparticle compositions also comprise a cationic polysaccharide and an immunological species selected from an antigen, an immunological adjuvant and a combination thereof. Also described are methods of making such compositions and methods of administering such compositions. Methods of modulating the release rate of immunological species from microparticles are also described. These methods comprise varying the ratio of the cationic polysaccharide relative to the biodegradable polymer within the microparticles.

Abstract: The invention provides adjuvants, immunogenic compositions, and methods useful for polynucleotide-based vaccination and immune response. In particular, the invention provides an adjuvant of cytofectin:co-lipid mixture wherein cytofectin is GAP-DMORIE.

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: Described are vaccines having one or more antigens cholesterol and CpG. Aspects of the invention relate to the use of the vaccines of the invention for the treatment and/or prevention of human and animal disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the detection of Ehrlichia chaffeensis.

Abstract: The present invention provides one or more antigens from the fourth stage (L4) larvae of non-blood feeding parasitic nematodes, for raising an immune responses in an animals, in particular bovines. The invention further provides methods of making immunogenic and/or vaccine compositions.

Abstract: Accordingly, the invention provides constructs in which the nucleic acids encoding Plasmodium falciparum MSP4 and MSP5, and the resulting polypeptides, have been modified. More particularly, this invention provides constructs encoding recombinant MSP4 and MSP5 polypeptides, which are expressed as soluble, secreted polypeptides in a baculovirus-insect cell expression system. It was surprisingly found that the recombinant polypeptides contain an EGF-like domain at the C-terminus that is properly folded in the polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for vaccination of a subject. Particularly, the present invention discloses the use of skin antigen application to amplify and improve a pre-existing immunity against a selected pathogen in a subject. The present invention discloses the use of skin application in combination with conventional vaccination or priming for improved immunization or vaccination of a subject against a selected pathogen.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided herein for improved dual immunization strategies that induce in a subject an immune response that includes a humoral immune response and cellular immune response, both CD4 and CD8 T lymphocyte immune responses, thereby providing a complete adaptive immune response to one or more antigens. The methods described are therefore useful for treating and/or preventing (i.e., reducing the likelihood or risk of occurrence) different diseases, disorders, and conditions such as cancers and infectious diseases for which induction of both a humoral immune response and cellular immune response is desired and beneficial.

Abstract: The invention discloses pharmaceutical compositions in liquid form comprising a peptide with the amino acid sequence KLKL5KLK and an oligodeoxynucleotide with the nucleic acid sequence (dIdC)13 and wherein the peptide and the oligodeoxynucleotide are present as sterile-filterable nanoparticles in the composition, thereby forming a suspension, characterized in that the mean particle size of the solid particles is less than 1 ?m.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-48 and immunogenic derivatives thereof. The invention also provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides of the invention, compositions comprising one or more liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides of the invention, methods for inducing an immune response against the liver stage Plasmodium polypeptides, and methods for treating and diagnosing liver stage malaria.

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: The invention provides, inter alia, immunogenic compositions that comprise (a) a first antigen, (b) polymeric particles and (c) a benzonaphthyridine compound, which compositions elicits an immune response when administered to a vertebrate subject. The invention also provides, inter alia, methods of producing immunogenic compositions and methods for using immunogenic compositions (e.g., for treatment), among other benefits.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for inducing a specific immune response in a subject by administering to the subject an immunogenic composition comprising a recombinant expression vector, or a vector particle comprising the recombinant expression vector, which vector comprises a polynucleotide sequence that encodes an immunogen of interest. The methods further comprise administering an adjuvant composition either concurrently or sequentially with the immunogenic composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to composition comprising an L3 and/or an L5 source and optionally an adjuvant for the preparation of a medicine for the treatment or prevention of a parasitic disease and to its diagnostic use of said parasitic disease.

Abstract: Recombinant chimeric antigens comprising unmodified and modified reactive polypeptide fragments of expressed product of the recombinant 56 kDa proteins of multiple strain of scrub typhus, such as Karp, Kato (Ktr56), Gilliam (Gmr56), and TA763 (TAr56). The invention is useful for detecting prior exposure to a number of strains of scrub typhus, based on the strength of reaction toward the chimeric protein and as a component in vaccine formulations and production of immune globulins for passive prophylaxis and immunity in subjects against heterologous infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogen-carrier having immunopotentiating or adjuvant properties. More particularly, the immunogen-carrier is a virus-like particle (VLP) from the family of potexvirus, and most particularly the papaya mosaic virus. The VLP produced by recombinant techniques is in fusion with one of its own proteins a protein immunogen. The above VLP and a protein or a protein extract from a viral, bacterial or parasital pathogen may be used as a vaccine.

Abstract: The invention provides immunostimulatory compositions and methods of administration thereof. Also provided are methods of administering a tryptanthrin compound in an effective amount to enhance the immune response of a subject to an antigen. Also provided are methods of administering an effective amount of a tryptanthrin to stimulate the immune response in a subject for the treatment of cancer. Further provided are methods of administering a tryptanthrin compounds as an immunotherapeutic in the treatment of infectious diseases.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vaccine that provides protection to turkeys from coccidiosis, and methods of making and using the vaccine alone, or in combinations with other protective agents. In addition, the present invention discloses PCR primer sets that are useful in identifying the species of Eimeria in a biological sample.

Abstract: The immune response to an antigen of interest, either in purified form or expressed via an alphavirus replicon particle, can be enhanced by the simultaneous administration of an alphavirus replicon particle which expresses interleukin-12. This allows for the use of significantly smaller quantities of the antigen and this immunization strategy can also eliminate the need for boosting administration of the antigen or it can reduce the number of boosts required for an effective immune response to the antigen.

Abstract: Transcutaneous immunization can deliver antigen to the immune system through the stratum corneum without physical or chemical penetration to the dermis layer of the skin. This delivery system induces an antigen-specific immune response without the use of a heterologous adjuvant. This system can induce antigen-specific immune effectors after epicutaneous application of a formulation containing one or more antigens Immune responses that provide prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatments are preferred. Antigenic activities in the formulation may be found in the same molecule, two or more different molecules dissociated from each other, or multiple molecules in a complex formed by covalent or non-covalent bonds. For antigens which are proteinaceous, they may be provided in the formulation as a polynucleotide for transcutaneous genetic immunization. Besides simple application of a dry or liquid formulation to the skin, patches and other medical devices may be used to deliver antigen for immunization.

Abstract: The present invention provides geodate delivery vehicles and methods of manufacture and administration. A vehicle including a lipid monolayer disposed about a hydrophobic domain is disclosed, that can be part of an emulsion or other mixture, or further disposed in a lipid strata. A vehicle including a lipid strata disposed about a hydrophobic domain is also disclosed. The vehicle can be incorporated into a variety of medicinal, food preparations, and personal care products to deliver or stabilize a cargo moiety. Packaged delivery vehicles for to later addition of cargo moieties are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for the development and use of a vaccine that includes one or more FusM antigens in a carrier adapted to trigger a FusM-specific immune response in the human blood stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a small animal model useful in identifying novel therapies for treating pathogenic diseases. This flexible biotechnology tool is valuable for developing novel chemotherapeutics for a broad range of microbial pathogens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunogenic agent comprising a low dose of an antigenic component from one or more pathogens and an agent capable of increasing an amount of IL-12 in animal, and use thereof for reducing infection or improving recovery from an infection from the pathogen. The immunogenic agent preferably comprises CpG nucleic acid, IL-12 protein and/or IL-12 nucleic acid. The pathogen is preferably an intracellular pathogen comprising one or more species and strains, such as Plasmodium spp. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the immunogenic agent. The pharmaceutical composition is preferably an immunotherapeutic composition. The immunotherapeutic composition, is preferably a vaccine capable of providing protection against or treating Plasmodium spp infection, the causative agent of malaria in humans.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions and kits for treating and or preventing diseases having immunological components associated with their etiology and/or progression (e.g., an HIV infection). A mimotope that mimics an epitope of an antigen may be administered to an individual to induce or enhance an immune response for the treatment of a disease. For example, HIV envelope-like polypeptides (wild-type HIV polypeptides and mimotopes) may be administered to an individual so as to induce a protective immune response to HIV. Alternatively, antibodies directed to a mimotope may be administered to an individual to treat or prevent a disease. Antibodies directed to HIV envelope-like polypeptides may be administered to an individual to treat or prevent an HIV infection and/or one or more symptoms associated with the infection (e.g., AIDS). In another embodiment, the invention provides compositions and methods for isolating an epitope specific B cell.

Abstract: The method for large scale production of a full length Schistosomal paramyosin coiled coil dimer composition is carried out by providing a composition comprising recombinant paramyosin, contacting the composition with a strand separation agent to remove paramyosin fragments and other contaminants. The purified paramyosin is used in vaccines for humans and bovine animals to induce immunity against schistosomal infection.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions containing phospholipid adjuvants, including microparticle and emulsion compositions. According to one aspect of the invention, an immunogenic microparticle composition is provided comprising: water; a polymer microparticle; an antigen adsorbed to the microparticle; and a phospholipid compound, e.g., a synthetic phospholipid compound comprising: (i) one or more phosphoryl groups independently selected from a phosphato group and a phosphodiester group; (ii) a plurality of linear alkane groups. According to another aspect of the invention an immunogenic emulsion composition is provided that comprises: water; a metabolizable oil; an emulsifying agent; an antigen; and a phospholipid compound, e.g., a synthetic phospholipid compound like that above. The emulsion composition is an oil-in-water emulsion having oil and aqueous phases, in which the oil phase is in the form of oil droplets, substantially all of which are less than 1 micron in diameter.

Abstract: The present invention provides rapid diagnostic assays for the detection of Leishmania which can readily be used in the field, leading to more rapid treatment. In certain embodiments, the inventive assays, including ELISA and lateral flow assays, employ antibodies that may be effectively employed to detect the Leishmania major antigen TSA, which is present in both promastigotes grown in culture and in amastigotes. Such assays may be employed to detect the presence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a subject using scrapings, biopsies, and/or aspirates taken from cutaneous lesions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising at least one ISCOM complex and at least one internal antigen which is not a surface antigen and not in the form of a part of a whole micro-organism. The internal antigen may be a nucleoprotein or presented as a member of the group of components obtained after disintegrating a micro-organism. The ISCOM complex may be an ISCOM or ISCOM matrix complex. The composition may also comprise non internal antigens. The invention also elates to the composition for use as an immune stimulating medicine or vaccine, especially for use in eliciting T cell respond including CTL respond. The invention also relate to a composition comprising at least one ISCOM complex for use as an immune stimulating or immune modulating medicine or vaccine for the stimulation of dendritic ceils in elderly.

Abstract: Described is an ex vivo animal or challenge model used as a method to identify protective (e.g., recombinant) proteins and rapidly measure protective immunity in intestinal segments directed against parasites and vaccines directed against parasitic infections. Further described are vaccines directed against infection with parasites, such as Fasciola hepatica, which vaccines contain protective (recombinant) proteins identified and shown to be protective in studies using the ex vivo model. Further described are protective (e.g., recombinant) proteins obtained from newly excysted juveniles (NEJ) of F. hepatica. The protective (recombinant) protein corresponding to an NEJ protein has an apparent molecular weight of 32 kD and an N-terminal amino acid molecule comprising the sequence XXDVSWPFWDRMYNY (SEQ ID NO:1).

Abstract: Method for inoculating a vertebrate host against malaria, by administering to the host a live Plasmodium organism that is genetically engineered to disrupt a liver-stage-specific gene function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic and prophylactic methods for treating Or preventing an infectious disease in a subject by stimulating or enhancing an immune response against an infectious agent causing the disease. The methods comprise administering to the subject a plurality of compositions, each composition being administered to a different site Of the subject, wherein each site is, or substantially drains to, an anatomically distinct lymph node, a group of lymph nodes, a nonencapsulated cluster of lymphoid tissue, or the spleen. Each composition comprises at least one antigenic molecule having one or more epitopes of the same infectious agent or a strain thereof. The antigenic molecules of each composition comprise in aggregate a set of epitopes distinct from that of any other composition that is administered to the subject.

Abstract: Recombinant plasmids usable for the transfection of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells are described; such plasmids have a length comprised between 7 and 12 kbases and comprise a sequence encoding the heavy chain of an immunoglobulin; in particular, they may be used: in a process of transfection of prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells (ex vivo) which can be inoculated into higher organisms in order to induce a prophylactic or therapeutic immune response; in a protocol of direct inoculation (in vivo) in higher organisms in genic immunization methodologies with the aim of evoking prophylactic or therapeutic immune responses.

Abstract: Recombinant chimeric antigens comprising unmodified and modified reactive polypeptide fragments of expressed product of the recombinant 56 kDa proteins of multiple strain of scrub typhus, such as Karp, Kato (Ktr56), Gilliam (Gmr56), and TA763 (TAr56). The invention is useful for detecting prior exposure to a number of strains of scrub typhus, based on the strength of reaction toward the chimeric protein and as a component in vaccine formulations and production of immune globulins for passive prophylaxis and immunity in subjects against heterologous infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides lipids that are advantageously used in lipid particles for the in vivo delivery of therapeutic agents to cells. In particular, the invention provides lipids having the following structures XIV or XVII.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a malaria vaccine for administration to a host comprising an attenuated malarial parasite with a gene which has been rendered non-functional, wherein the gene, when present in naturally occurring form, encodes a protein necessary for continued in vivo survival and proliferation of the parasite and for infection of host red blood cells. The invention further relates to a malaria vaccine in which a gene that encodes a nutrient transporter protein has been rendered non-functional.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of compounds of formula (I), wherein R1, X, Y, Z and m are as defined in the description, in the free form or in salt form either alone or in combination with a vaccine component, for controlling fish parasites, in particular sea lice.

Abstract: Various nucleic acid-based matrixes are provided, comprising nucleic acid monomers as building blocks, as well as nucleic acids encoding proteins, so as to produce novel biomaterials. The nucleic acids are used to form dendrimers that are useful as supports, vectors, carriers or delivery vehicles for a variety of compounds in biomedical and biotechnological applications. In particular, the macromolecules may be used for the delivery of drugs, genetic material, imaging components or other functional molecule to which they can be conjugated. An additional feature of the macromolecules is their ability to be targeted for certain organs, tumors, or types of tissues. Methods of utilizing such biomaterials include delivery of functional molecules to cells.

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: This invention is related to the field of immunology of protein biotechnology and particularly to the construction of synthetic immunogens which result, where inoculated, in the production by cattle of an immune response capable of lesion to the ticks feeding on the inoculated bovines, reducing their number, their weight and their reproductive capacity to such an extent that the constructed immunogen can be used as an effective vaccine for tick control on bovines. The technical object of the invention consists of the design and construction of two synthetic immunogens constituted of a continuous and defined sequence with forty-three (43) amino acids, found in different positions in the sequence of protein Bm86, their polymerization with cysteine in the N-terminal and in the C-terminal, the medicamentous composition based on said peptide(s) and the synthetic vaccine obtained thereby.

Abstract: The present invention provides lipids that are advantageously used in lipid particles for the in vivo delivery of therapeutic agents to cells. In particular, the invention provides lipids having the following structures: (Formula (I) or (XXXV)).

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for suppressing an inflammatory immune response comprising the excretory/secretory (ES) component of Fasciola hepatica or a fraction thereof. The composition has particular utility in the treatment or prophylaxis of T cell mediated inflammatory immune responses, and in particular autoimmune disease. The invention further extends to methods for modulating a T cell mediated immune response wherein a therapeutically effective amount of the excretory/secretory (ES) component from Fasciola hepatica is administered to a subject in need of such treatment in order to suppress the development of the response.

Abstract: Described are vaccine regimens in which specific prime/boost regimens are applied using low-neutralized recombinant adenoviral vectors harboring nucleic acids encoding antigens from Plasmodium falciparum and purified recombinant protein vaccines such as RTS,S, in the context of appropriate adjuvants.