Abstract: The invention provides novel cyclotide polypeptides, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from Butterfly pea and having pesticidal activity against nematodes. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, biopesticide compositions, expression cassettes, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the invention. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant-parasitic pests such as nematodes and insects.

Abstract: The present invention relates firstly to the discovery of the previously unknown 24-membered cyclooctadepsipeptides PF1022-V, PF1022-W, XRB-C894, XRB-C942, XRB-C976, XRB-C1010, XRB-C1044, XRB-E922, XRB-E956, XRB-E990, XRB-E1024, XRB-S958, XRB-S992, XRB-S1026, XRB-S1060 (in various isomeric forms) and to the processes for the preparation of the abovementioned cyclooctadepsipeptides by means of the fungal strains from the family Xylariaceae, in particular the genera Rosellinia and Coniolariella, and by means of the mitosporic fungal strains from the groups Fusarium, Beauveria and Verticillium (orders Hypocreales and Phyllachorales), and by means of the enzymatic preparations isolated from these fungal strains, and secondly to the use of these strains for the preparation of the abovementioned novel cyclooctadepsipeptides and to the use of bassianolide and of the abovementioned novel cyclooctadepsipeptides individually or as a mixture, as anthelmintics or endoparasiticides.

Abstract: The invention provides novel ?-endotoxin polypeptides, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from Bacillus thuringiensis having pesticidal activity against nematodes. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, biopesticide compositions, expression cassettes, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the invention. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant parasitic nematodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of receptor-associate protein (RAP) and fragments and variants thereof to improve delivery of therapeutic compounds to the liver and provides methods to treat liver disorders and conditions, such as hepatic carcinoma, by administering RAP or RAP variants conjugated to active agents.

Abstract: The present invention is an inhibitor of the trypsin-like ?2/?2i sites of the proteasome. The inhibitor is characterized as being a peptide-based epoxyketone or vinyl sulfone that contains an arginine or 4-aminomethylene-L-phenylalanine at the C-terminus (i.e., at the P1 position). Methods for using the inhibitor to inhibit the activity of the ?2/?2i site of a proteasome and treat a proteasome-mediated disease or condition are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spray-dried composition comprising as an active ingredient at least one member protein of the collectin family or its functional equivalent for treating and preventing microbial infectious diseases. The present invention also relates to a method for producing the same composition. The composition produced by the method of the present invention is effective in suppressing infections caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Since the composition is developed in a form suitable for inhalation, it can directly provide the active ingredient to the sites of infection from these microbes, and thus treat and prevent respiratory infections and external wounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to uses of cystatins derived from nematodes and to a method of screening using such cystatin. The present invention also relates to methods of treatment and/or prevention of an allergic and/or autoimmune disease in a patient, using a cystatin derived from a nematode.

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 oil-based preparation comprising a triazine which is active against parasitic protozoans and an anthelmintic cyclodepsipeptide, which preparation is particularly suitable for the oral application of the active substance combination in animals.

Abstract: An isolated human Apolipoprotein L-I corresponding to a wild type human Apolipoprotein sequence is modified by a deletion at its C-terminal end.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the preparation of conjugates of a variety of bioactive components, especially proteins, with water-soluble polymers (e.g., poly(ethylene glycol) and derivatives thereof), which conjugates have reduced antigenicity and immunogenicity compared to similar conjugates prepared using poly(ethylene glycol) containing a methoxyl or another alkoxyl group. The invention also provides conjugates prepared by such methods, compositions comprising such conjugates, kits containing such conjugates or compositions and methods of use of the conjugates and compositions in diagnostic and therapeutic protocols.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns plants protected from nematode feeding damage and improved versions of Cry proteins. The subject invention also concerns improved versions of Cry21A proteins. Synthetic genes encoding these modified proteins are also part of the subject invention. Another embodiment of the subject invention includes plants transformed with the genes of the subject invention. In yet another embodiment the subject invention concerns Bt proteins for in-plant protection against crop damage by root knot nematode (RKN; Meloidogyne incognita) and soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines).

Abstract: Peptide-based compounds including heteroatom-containing, three-membered rings efficiently and selectively inhibit specific activities of N-terminal nucleophile (Ntn) hydrolases. The activities of those Ntn having multiple activities can be differentially inhibited by the compounds described. For example, the chymotrypsin-like activity of the 20S proteasome may be selectively inhibited with the inventive compounds. The peptide-based compounds include an epoxide or aziridine, and functionalization at the N-terminus. Among other therapeutic utilities, the peptide-based compounds are expected to display anti-inflammatory properties and inhibition of cell proliferation.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a delta-endotoxin polypeptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated delta-endotoxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed, and antibodies specifically binding to those amino acid sequences. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:13-24 or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1-12 and 25-44, as well as variants and fragments thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorocarbon vectors for the delivery of antigens to immunoresponsive target cells. It further relates to fluorocarbon vector-antigen constructs and the use of such vectors associated with antigens as vaccines and immunotherapeutics in animals.

Abstract: The invention features methods and kits for treating or inhibiting the development of Parkinson's Disease by administering 7-chloro-4-aminoquinoline compounds, e.g., amodiaquine or glafenine. Stem cells are also useful in the methods of the invention and may be administered separately from or together with 7-chloro-4-aminoquinoline compounds. The invention further features methods of identifying additional chemical compounds that are useful in the treatment or inhibition of the development of Parkinson's Disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorocarbon vectors for the delivery of antigens to immunoresponsive target cells. It further relates to fluorocarbon vector-antigen constructs and the use of such vectors associated with antigens as vaccines and immunotherapeutics in animals.

Abstract: Modulation of the complement system represents a therapeutic modality for numerous pathologic conditions associated with complement activation. In a strategy to prepare complement inhibitors that are targeted to sites of complement activation and disease, compositions comprising a complement inhibitor linked to complement receptor (CR) 2 are disclosed. The disclosed are compositions can be used in methods of treating pathogenic diseases and inflammatory conditions by modulating the complement system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel antimicrobial peptides, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said peptides, and to the uses thereof, in particular as antimicrobial drugs, disinfectants, pesticides or preservatives. The present invention also relates to a transgenic plant expressing said novel peptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conjugate that comprises an Apo A molecule or a functionally equivalent variant thereof and a compound of therapeutic interest wherein both components are covalently coupled as well as to the use of said conjugates in therapy for the specific targeting of said compounds to those tissues showing specific binding sites for the ApoA molecule.

Abstract: A novel galectin, a polynucleotide encoding the same, a vector and a transformant comprising the polynucleotide, an antibody against the galectin, and a screening method for screening a substance capable of modifying the galectin, are disclosed. According to the galectin, polynucleotide, or vector, it is possible, for example, to exterminate ticks, or to treat or prevent tick-borne infections such as rickettsiosis, filariasis, Q fever, African recurrent fever, or viral encephalitis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel synthetic or natural peptides for use in treating viral or parasitic infections or in the treatment of tumors. The peptides of the present invention are less than 30 amino acids in size, preferably less than 20 amino acids, in particular 15 to 20 amino acids, and in vitro the peptides specifically bind a type 2A protein phosphatase holoenzyme or one of its subunits. The invention also relates to a method for identifying said peptides, and to their uses.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions having at least one crystal protein and a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist in amounts effective to inhibit a parasitic worm or helminth infection in a vertebrate or mammal are described. Methods for treating a parasitic worm or helminth infection in a subject are also described. The methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the at least one crystal protein and a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist. The crystal proteins can be isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis and include Cry5B, Cry21, Cry14A, Cry6A, and Cry13A. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist can be from the levamisole family, which include levamisole, pyrantel, and tribendimidine.

Abstract: This invention provides for dimeric1-arylpyrazole compounds, of formulas (I), (II), and (III): or salts thereof, and the use of these compounds against ectoparasites such as insects, arthropods and acarina. The resulting compounds may be used in veterinary formulations such as, for example, spot-on and pour-on formulations, which may be used for treatment, controlling and preventing of parasitic infections in warm-blooded animals and birds.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns plants protected from nematode feeding damage and improved versions of Cry proteins. Synthetic genes encoding Cry proteins are also part of the subject invention. Another embodiment of the subject invention includes plants transformed with the genes of the subject invention. In yet another embodiment the subject invention concerns Bt proteins for in-plant protection against crop damage by root knot nematode (RKN; Meloidogyne incognita) and soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines).

Abstract: The subject invention concerns plants protected from nematode feeding damage and improved versions of Cry proteins. The subject invention also concerns improved versions of Cry14A proteins. Synthetic genes encoding these modified proteins are also part of the subject invention. Another embodiment of the subject invention includes plants transformed with the genes of the subject invention. In yet another embodiment the subject invention concerns Bt proteins for in-plant protection against crop damage by root knot nematode (RKN; Meloidogyne incognita) and soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines).

Abstract: The subject invention concerns plants protected from nematode feeding damage and improved versions of Cry proteins. The subject invention also concerns improved versions of Cry6A proteins. Synthetic genes encoding these modified proteins are also part of the subject invention. Another embodiment of the subject invention includes plants transformed with the genes of the subject invention. In yet another embodiment the subject invention concerns Bt proteins for in-plant protection against crop damage by root knot nematode (RKN; Meloidogyne incognita) and soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines).

Abstract: The subject invention concerns plants protected from nematode feeding damage and improved versions of Cry proteins. The subject invention also concerns improved versions of Cry5Ba proteins. Synthetic genes encoding these modified proteins are also part of the subject invention. Another embodiment of the subject invention includes plants transformed with the genes of the subject invention. In yet another embodiment the subject invention concerns Bt proteins for in-plant protection against crop damage by root knot nematode (RKN; Meloidogyne incognita) and soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines).

Abstract: The subject invention concerns plants protected from nematode feeding damage and improved versions of Cry proteins. The subject invention also concerns improved versions of Cry12A proteins. Synthetic genes encoding these modified proteins are also part of the subject invention. Another embodiment of the subject invention includes plants transformed with the genes of the subject invention. In yet another embodiment the subject invention concerns Bt proteins for in-plant protection against crop damage by root knot nematode (RKN; Meloidogyne incognita) and soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the combination of aminophenylamidine derivatives with cyclic depsipeptides, to products comprising this combination, and to the use of these active substances in combination for controlling endoparasites in humans and in animals.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a delta-endotoxin polypeptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated delta-endotoxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed, and antibodies specifically binding to those amino acid sequences. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:13-24 or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1-12 and 25-44, as well as variants and fragments thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for modulating the immune function through targeting of CLIP molecules. The result is wide range of new therapeutic regimens for treating, inhibiting the development of, or otherwise dealing with, a multitude of illnesses and conditions, including autoimmune disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, allergic disease, transplant and cell graft rejection, HIV infection and other viral, bacterial, and parasitic infection, and AIDS. Methods are also provided for preparing a peptide having the property of being able to displace CLIP by feeding one or more peptide sequences into software that predicts MHC Class II binding regions in an antigen sequence and related products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of nifurtimox for the treatment of diseases caused by trichomonads, such as, for example, histomoniasis, in particular in turkeys.

Abstract: The present invention discloses certain derivatives of artemisinin and the active principles contained in Artemisia annua extracts with amino acids, peptides, and amino sugars, and isomers and salts thereof (formula I).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to peptide analogs of chemokine, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, to methods of using such analogs to treat mammals and to pharmaceutical compositions useful therefor comprising said analogs.

Abstract: A device that includes a scaffold composition and a bioactive composition with the bioactive composition being incorporated therein or thereon, or diffusing from the scaffold composition such that the scaffold composition and/or a bioactive composition captures and eliminates undesirable cells from the body a mammalian subject. The devices mediate active recruitment, sequestration, and removal or elimination of undesirable cells from their host.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides comprising amino acids according to Formula I ((X)l(Y)m)n??(I) wherein l, m and n are integers from 0 to 10; X and Y, which may be the same or different, are an amino acid selected from the group consisting of hydrophobic amino acids and/or cationic amino acids, together with methods for the use of the peptides in the treatment of microbial infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for modulating the migratory activity of cells expressing CD38 for the treatment of disorders including, but not limited to, inflammation, ischemia, asthma, autoimmune disease, diabetes, arthritis, allergies, infection with pathogenic organisms, such as parasites, and transplant rejection. Such cells include, for example, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, macrophages and dentritic cells. The invention further relates to drug screening assays designed to identify compounds that modulate the ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity of CD38 and the use of such. compounds in the treatment of disorders involving CD38 modulated cell migration. Additionally, the invention relates to the isolation and characterization of a CD38 homologue from the parasitic flatworm, Schistosoma mansoni.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a recombinant malaria vaccine and a method for its manufacture.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a toxin polypeptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated toxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed, and antibodies specifically binding to those amino acid sequences. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:50-96, or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1-47, as well as variants and fragments thereof.