Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrophilic Eimeria polypeptides, DNA-fragments encoding those peptides, recombinant DNA molecules comprising such DNA-fragments, live recombinant carriers comprising such DNA-fragments or recombinant DNA molecules and host cells comprising such DNA-fragments, recombinant DNA molecules or live recombinant carriers. Furthermore, the invention relates to antibodies against the polypeptides and to coccidiosis vaccines based upon said polypeptides. The invention also relates to methods for the preparation of such antibodies and vaccines, and to methods for the detection of Eimeria parasites and antibodies against Eimeria parasites.

Abstract: The invention relates to three isolated DNA molecules that encode for proteins, BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3, in the Leptospira sp bacterium which have repetitive Bacterial-Ig-like (Big) domains and their use in diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine applications. According to the present invention, the isolated molecules encoding for BigL1, BigL2 and BigL3 proteins are used for the diagnosis and prevention of infection with Leptospira species that are capable of producing disease in humans and other mammals, including those of veterinary importance.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful to enhance the development of the immune system of a growing animal are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is an isolated and purified protein produced by a naturally occurring Babesia sp. comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:1 and an isolated and purified nucleic acid encoding the above protein. Additionally provided is an isolated and purified nucleic acid comprising at least 20 nucleotides having a sequence 100% identical to a portion of SEQ ID NO:2 or its complement. Further provided is an antibody preparation comprising an antibody that specifically binds to the above protein. Also provided are methods of diagnosing a Babesia sp. infection in a mammal, methods of determining whether a blood preparation is contaminated with a Babesia sp., methods of determining whether a blood preparation is contaminated with a Babesia sp., and methods of treating a mammal infected with a Babesia sp., the method comprising inhibiting the production or activity of the protein comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:1 by the Babesia sp. in the mammal.

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 isomerases (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: Compositions comprising fusion polypeptides of T. cruzi epitopes are provided, together with methods for the use of such compositions in the diagnosis of T. cruzi infection and in screening blood supplies. Diagnostic kits comprising such compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a digalactolipidic antigen exposed on the surface of apicomplex parasites, in the form of a vegetable-type digalactoglycerolipid, and adapted for inducing the production of specific antibodies capable of inhibiting the proliferation and/or the invasive properties of said parasites; the invention also relates to a derived antibody or functional antibody fragment, and to their diagnostic, immunotherapeutic and vaccine applications in human beings or animals.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are immunogenic compositions comprising a multilayer film comprising two or more layers of polyelectrolytes, wherein adjacent layers comprise oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. A first layer polyelectrolyte comprises an antigenic polypeptide comprising one or more surface adsorption regions covalently linked to one or more antigenic determinant regions, wherein the antigenic polypeptide and the one or more surface adsorption regions have the same polarity. The immunogenic compositions may be employed in methods of eliciting an immune response in a vertebrate organism.

Abstract: The invention provides novel immunogenic proteins LigA and LigB from Leptospira for use in the development of effective vaccines and antibodies, as well as improved diagnostic methods and kits.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated placental P. falciparum polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-4 and 6-24, and immunogenic derivatives thereof. The invention also provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the placental P. falciparum polypeptides of the invention, compositions comprising one or more placental P. falciparum polypeptides of the invention, methods for inducing an immune response against the placental P. falciparum polypeptides, and methods for treating and diagnosing placental malaria.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vaccine that provides protection from coccidiosis, and methods of making and using the vaccine alone, or in combination with other protective agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides vectors that contain and express in vivo or in vitro sand fly Lu. longipalpis salivary antigens that elicit an immune response in animal or human against Leishmania, vaccine compositions comprising said vectors and/or Lu. longipalpis salivary polypeptides, methods of vaccination against Leishmania, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for producing and/or enhancing an immunological response in a subject against a target moiety such as a disease-related moiety by administration of an antigenic version of the target moiety having one or more unnatural amino acid and/or by administration of an antibody against a version of a target moiety having one or more unnatural amino acid which antibody is cross reactive with the natural target moiety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dermal vaccine formulations, designed for targeted delivery of an immunogenic composition to a dermal compartment of skin including the intradermal and epidermal compartments. The dermal vaccine formulations of the invention comprise an antigenic or immunogenic agent, and at least one molecule, e.g., a chemical agent, which enhances the presentation and/or availability of the antigenic or immunogenic agent to the immune cells of the intradermal compartment or epidermal compartment resulting in an enhanced immune response. The dermal vaccine formulations of the invention have enhanced efficacy as the antigenic or immunogenic agent is delivered to the intradermal compartment or epidermal compartment with enhanced presentation and/or availability to the immune cells that reside therein.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a composition comprising apolipoprotein L-l, the use of apolipoprotein L-l or a derivated polypeptide for the diagnostic, the treatment and/or the prevention of diseases induced in mammals by Trypanosoma. Another aspect is related to a transgenic non-human mammal comprising a polynucleotide expressing the apolipoprotein L-l or a derivated polypeptide and which is tolerant or resistant to the Trypanosoma infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expression vector of a gene coding for an antigenic protein of Leishmania promastigote, characterised in that it comprises a PSA gene insert in opposite orientation. The invention can be applied to the development of mutants under-expressing, or no longer expressing, genes coding for an antigenic protein of Leishmania promastigote, and to the therapeutic and/or vaccine-oriented uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising Leishmania promastigotes or Leishmania amastigotes fractions or sub-fractions called “Fucose Mannose Ligand” (FML) and saponin. The invention also comprises the use of the composition for preparation of a blocking vaccine impeding Leishmaniasis transmission in humans or animals.

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

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: The invention relates to an anti-inflammatory oligopeptide which can be obtained from the microorganism Entamoeba histolytica or synthesized by known methods. The oligopeptides are useful in treating inflammatory diseases when formulated in pharmaceutical compositions for administration to patients.

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 a novel homeopathic strain characterized in that it comprises a nosode from a protozoon of the genus Trypanosoma. The invention also relates to the use of this homeopathic strain in the preparation of a medicament intended for the treatment of the clinical pathological signs similar to those observed in the trypanosomiases. It also relates to a process for the preparation of this homeopathic strain as well as a process for the preparation of a homeopathic medicinal speciality comprising said homeopathic strain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjuvant comprising a lipopeptide and poly I:C. When the adjuvant of the present invention is used, the level of antigen specific antibody induction is synergistically increased and Th1 type immune response is also induced. Therefore, the adjuvant of the present invention can be very effectively used as an adjuvant in the formulation of preventive and therapeutic vaccines for viral or parasitic infection and cancer.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with vaccines and their preparation. An effective long-term immune response, especially in mammals, can be produced using a vaccine comprising an antigen encapsulated in liposomes, a suitable adjuvant and a carrier comprising a continuous phase of a hydrophobic substance. The vaccine is particularly effective in eliciting the production of antibodies that recognize epitopes of native proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-inflammatory oligopeptides which contain the terminal pharmacophore Cys-Asn-Ser which is capable of inhibiting the NF-?? signaling pathway. The oligopeptides are useful in stimulating the in vivo production of IL-10, and for treating inflammatory diseases and scarring when formulated in pharmaceutical compositions for administration to patients.

Abstract: This invention discloses immunostimulatory combinations of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily (TN-FRSF) agonists, Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) agonists, “domain present in NAIP, CIITA, HET-E, TP-I (NACHT)-Leucine Rich Repeat (LRR)” or “NLR” agonists, RIG-I-Like Helicase or “RLH” agonists, purinergic receptor agonists and cytokine/chemokine receptor agonists, together with delivery methods. The combinations, when used alone at the site of pathology, provide immunostimulation that induces host humoral and cellular immunologic responses to eliminate pathogens or neoplasms. Alternatively, when the combinations are used with a defined antigens, these combinations can induce focused humoral and cellular immunologic responses useful as prophylactic and/or ameliorative therapeutic modalities for infections and the treatment of neoplastic disorders.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with vaccines and their preparation. An effective long-term immune response, especially in mammals, can be produced using a vaccine comprising an antigen encapsulated in liposomes, a suitable adjuvant and a carrier comprising a continuous phase of a hydrophobic substance. The vaccine is particularly effective in eliciting the production of antibodies that recognize epitopes of native proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to introduce a nucleic acid molecule into a fetid by administration of a nucleic acid-cationic lipid complex composition. The method includes the step of administering to the felid, by a parenteral route, a nucleic acid-cationic lipid complex to elicit and/or enhance an immune response. In one embodiment, this method enhances the immune response in a fetid compared to a method in which a naked DNA vaccine is administered to a felid. Also provided is a method to deliver a nucleic acid to a felid. This method comprises parenterally administering to the fetid a composition that includes a nucleic acid molecule complexed with a cationic lipid.

Abstract: An adjuvant composition comprises a Th1-activating alkaloid, optionally further comprising an auxiliary adjuvant selected from a type 2 adjuvant (e.g. alum and/or MF59), a type 1 adjuvant and/or a balanced adjuvant. Vaccines comprising the adjuvant composition include nucleic acid(s) which encode one or more antigenic protein(s); protein(s) or peptide(s); glycoprotein(s); polysaccharide(s) (e.g. carbohydrate(s)); fusion protein(s); lipid(s); glycolipid(s); peptide mimic(s) of polysaccharides carbohydrate(s) and a protein(s) in admixture; carbohydrate-protein conjugate(s); cells or extracts thereof; dead or attenuated cells or extracts thereof; tumour cells or extracts thereof; viral particles (e.g. attenuated viral particles or viral components); allergen(s) mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Recombinant polypeptides are disclosed that are useful for diagnosing American trypanosomiasis, or Chagas disease, a disease caused by the infectious agent Trypanosoma cruzi. Preferably, DNA sequences encoding the recombinant proteins are placed in plasmid vectors to be expressed in an organism.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing, treating and detecting leishmaniasis are disclosed. The compositions generally comprise Leishmania sterol 24-c-methyltransferase (SMT) polypeptides, portions, variants and/or fusions, as well as polynucleotides encoding SMT polypeptides, portions, variants and/or fusions.

Abstract: Antigenic and immunogenic determinants of Merozoite surface protein 3 (MSP3). Antigenicity and functional assays identified a 68-amino acid conserved domain of MSP3 as a target of biologically active antibodies. A peptide comprising amino acid residues 184-251 of SEQ ID NO: 2, may also be employed as may peptides consisting of different combinations of the MSP3 a, b, c, d, e and f peptides. Particular non-overlapping or overlapping segments of MSP3 a, b, c, d, e and f peptides may also be used. The various overlapping segments and nonoverlapping segments among the different MSP3 peptides are shown in FIG. 6. MSP3 determinants include targets of antibody-dependent cellular inhibition (ADCI) which is a protective mechanism against Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Six overlapping peptides were derived from the C-terminal end of the MSP3 polypeptide. Each of these peptides defined at least 1 non-crossreactive B cell epitope and contained T helper epitopes.

Abstract: The present invention involves the use of Leishmania antigens and nucleic acids coding therefor as vaccines. It also provides a method of inducing protective immune responses in a subject through the use of specific delivery systems such as protein and/or DNA vaccines and Listeria monocytogenes vectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Piroplasmid protein or an immunogenic fragment of the protein, and to a nucleic acid encoding the Piroplasmid protein or the immunogenic fragment. Furthermore, the invention relates to cDNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules and live recombinant carriers comprising the nucleic acid. Also the invention relates to host cells comprising the cDNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules and live recombinant carriers. Finally, the invention relates to vaccines comprising a Piroplasmid protein or an immunogenic fragment of the protein, to methods for the preparation of such vaccines, to the use of such proteins or fragments for vaccine purposes, and to diagnostic tests.

Abstract: A Neospora caninum vaccine comprising tissue culture grown Neospora and methods of making and using said vaccines. Neospora caninum vaccines described include those containing whole Neospora tachyzoites, extracts of Neospora tachyzoites and protective antigen subunits of Neospora tachyzoites. The vaccines of this invention may be in a liquid or lyophilized form.

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 provides vectors that contain and express in vivo Leishmania KMP11 or an epitope thereof that elicits an immune response in a dog against Leishmania, compositions comprising said vectors, methods of vaccination against Leishmania, and kits for use with such methods and compositions.

Abstract: Viral replicon selected nucleic acid expression libraries are useful for analyzing multiple antigens associated with a parasite, pathogen or neoplasia or for preparing immunogenic compositions for generating immune responses specific for the parasite, pathogen or neoplasia. Alphavirus replicon particles representative of the nucleic acid expression library are preferred. The nucleic acid library can be a random library, or it can be prepared after a selection step, for example, by differential hybridization prior to cloning into the replicon vector.

Abstract: The present invention provides vaccines and methods for making the vaccines that actively or passively protect an equid or other animal against Sarcocystis neurona. In particular, the present invention provides vaccines that provide active immunity which comprise a polypeptide or DNA vaccine that contains or expresses at least one epitope of an antigen that has an amino acid sequence substantially similar to a unique 16 (±4) kDa antigen and/or 30 (±4) kDa antigen of Sarcocystis neurona. The present invention further provides a vaccine that provides passive immunity to Sarcocystis neurona comprising polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies against at least one epitope of an antigen substantially similar to a unique 16 (±4) kDa antigen and/or 30 (±4) kDa antigen of Sarcocystis neurona.

Abstract: Taught herein are therapeutic pharmaceutical compositions (vaccines) and methods for preventing or treating leishmaniasis and infections mediated by intracellular pathogenic micro-organism in mammals and in particular in humans, members of the dog, cat and horse family. The pharmaceutical compositions comprise composition of matter produced by from Leishmania sp. amastigotes and/or promastigotes in a specific germ-free and serum-free medium, and particularly excreted-secreted proteins of Leishmania sp. amastigotes and/or promastigotes.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing a target disease in a mammal by induction of memory T cells. The methods comprise (1) administering a sensitizing composition comprising a non-target antigen to a patient; and (2) administering a therapeutic composition comprising a non-target antigen and a target antigen to the patient, wherein the target antigen is associated with the disease, and wherein the therapeutic composition is administered after the sensitizing compositions, at an interval sufficient for induction of memory T cells. The methods can alternatively comprise administering a target antigen along with an inhibitory agent such as an inhibitor of DC apoptosis, an inhibitor of granzyme B, a Granzyme-B-inducible mediator of apoptosis, an inhibitor of perforin, or a perforin-inducible mediator of apoptosis.

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: Phosphorylated glucomannan polysaccharide compositions are shown to effectively enhance healthy immune function. Dosage forms including pills, sprays, functional foods and cosmetics may achieve this benefit while being essentially free of storage protein from nongerminated seeds of Ricinus communis.

Abstract: A highly conserved membrane protein present in all species of Leishmania can be used as a vaccine antigen for genetic immunization against visceral leishmananiasis.

Abstract: Methods of producing a pathogen with reduced replicative fitness are disclosed, as are attenuated pathogens produced using the methods. In particular examples, the method includes deoptimizing one or more codons in a coding sequence, thereby reducing the replicative fitness of the pathogen. Methods of using the attenuated pathogens as immunogenic compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides antigenic T. cruzi polypeptides, polynucleotides, and fusions thereof, as well as compositions comprising same. Also provided are diagnostic kits and methods for the diagnosis of T. cruzi infection and in screening blood supplies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel Neospora caninum isolate from Nowra and extracts thereof. The strain is useful in the development of diagnostic assays for the detection of parasites in animals. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions, using live or killed organisms or extracts thereof, for the treatment and prevention of parasitic infections in animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for carrying out in vitro the complete developmental sequence culture of tissular parasites, which includes culturing the parasites in a totally defined culture medium which is an axenic . . . monophasic liquid culture medium, free of serum and free of serum-derived or cell-derived macromolecules, proteins and peptides. For obtaining amastigote forms, this medium is buffered at a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 and has an osmolarity of at least 400 milliosmoles/kg of liquid. For obtaining promastigote forms, the medium is buffered at a pH of 7 to 7.5 and has an osmolarity of at least 300 milliosmoles/kg liquid. Application to the in vitro culture of different stages of tissular parasites such as Leishmania, T. cruzi, and hamatoprotozoa is also provided.

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 invention relates to a method of treating an excessive immune response including an aberrant/enhanced Th1 response by administering a helminthic parasite preparation in an amount sufficient to reduce the excessive immune response in an individual. This invention is generally directed to autoimmune diseases which involve an excessive immune response or an aberrant/enhanced Th1 response. More specifically, the present invention is directed to the treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, both known as IBD. While the present invention discloses specific information about the treatment of IBD, the disclosure is in no way limiting. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, lupus erythematosis, sarcoidosis and multiple sclerosis can be treated by the methods and compositions disclosed therein.