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: The present invention features, inter alia, compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer and infectious disease. The compositions include engineered proteins that specifically bind a metal chelate and may be bispecific. For example, the engineered proteins may bind (a) a target (e.g., a cellular protein) on a cancerous cell or a pathogen and (b) a metal chelate comprising DOTA, or an active variant thereof, and a metal ion such as a radionuclide. By virtue of the multiple binding sites, the engineered protein effectively delivers a metal chelate to a cell one wishes to destroy.

Abstract: Described are antibodies specifically directed against a cathepsin-like protease that are specific for newly excysted juvenile (NEJ) stages of Fasciola hepatica. Diagnostic tests wherein such antibodies are detected or used are also provided.

Abstract: Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting the presence or absence of whipworm in a fecal sample are disclosed herein. The methods, devices, kits and compositions of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of whipworm in a fecal sample from a mammal that may also be infected with one or more of hookworm, roundworm, and heartworm. Confirmation of the presence or absence of whipworm 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: A composition for preventing malaria infection including a steric inhibitor of circumsporozoite protein cleavage. A pharmaceutical composition for preventing malaria infection including a steric inhibitor and a pharmaceutical carrier. A method of malaria infection prophylaxis including the step of administering an effective amount of the composition of the present invention. A method of malaria prophylaxis by sterically inhibiting circumsporozoite protein processing or by directly inhibiting a protease of a sporozoite from binding to its target. Methods of preventing sporozoite cell invasion or preventing circumsporozoite processing through steric or direct inhibition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new isolate of Neospora caninum and to the extracts which may be produced therefrom. Said isolate presents a high degree of attenuation, which makes it suitable for the development of vaccines against neosporosis, and of diagnostic tests to detect infection by Neospora caninum in animals. It also describes pharmaceutical compositions wherein said isolate or extracts thereof are used for the prevention and treatment of the infections caused by Neospora caninum in animals.

Abstract: A compound capable of specifically binding to pathogen EF-1? but not host EF-1?, wherein the compound binds to any part of an amino acid sequence having at least 70% sequence identity to amino acids 240-230 of SEQ ID NO:22.

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 present disclosure provides synthetic antibodies specific for a disease-associated antigen, and methods of using the antibodies in disease therapy. The present disclosure further provides diagnostic assays involving detecting the presence and/or level in biological sample of an antibody specific for a disease-associated antigen.

Abstract: Described in this application is a synthetic P. vivax circumsporozoite protein useful as a diagnostic reagent, for antibody production, and as a vaccine protective against infection with any strain of P. vivax.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a method for combining antigen fragments of Toxoplasma gondii proteins, in the form of chimeric fusion products, and their use as diagnostic and immunogenic agents.

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

Abstract: A compound capable of specifically binding to pathogen EF-1? but not host EF-1?, wherein the compound binds to any part of an amino acid sequence having at least 70% sequence identity to amino acids 240-230 of SEQ ID NO:22.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of biocide (e.g., bactericidal enzyme) to target pathogens. In particular, the present invention provides biocides for use in health care (e.g., human and veterinary), agriculture (e.g., animal and plant production), and food processing (e.g., water purification).

Abstract: The invention provides novel preparations for a broad-spectrum antiplasmodial vaccine.

Abstract: A reagent and method for the specific and highly sensitive detection of C. parvum in which the reagent is an antibody for a soluble C. parvum sporozoite antigen and the method is an immunoassay in which the antibody is used to detect or quantify C. parvum sporozoite antigen in a sample. The sample is treated to cause excystation of C. parvum oocytes, thereby releasing a C. parvum sporozoite antigen, and combined with antibodies specific for the sporozoite antigen under conditions to form an antibody-antigen complex. Detection of the complex indicates the presence of C. parvum in the sample. The assay allows recognition and detection of C. parvum in turbid samples, and due to a lack of crossreactivity with other Cryptosporidium species, is specific for C. parvum contamination or infection. The assay is highly sensitive, allowing for the detection of less than 100 oocysts per milliliter of sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are protein and peptide antigen and DNA compositions effective in generating immune responses against the pathogenic fungi Coccidioides spp., the causative agents of coccidioidomycosis and Valley Fever. The invention thus provides protein and peptide antigens, DNA constructs, combinations and related biological compositions, and prophylactic and therapeutic methods of using such components and combinations to generate effective and protective immune responses against Coccidioides spp., including C. immitis.

Abstract: The process of the invention comprises the implementation of axenic conditions, with use of a liquid single-phase culture medium. For obtaining the 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, and in particular 400 to 550 milliosmoles/kg of liquid. For obtaining promastigote forms, this medium is buffered at a pH of 7 to 7.5 and has an osmolarity of at least 300 milliosmoles/kg of liquid. This process allows the adaptation and culture in vitro of different stages of tissular parasites, such as leishmanias and T. cruzi or also hematoprotozoa.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to a purified polyclonal or monoclonal antibody which recognizes an epitope of a protein of 48,000 dalton, where the protein recognizes is a surface protein of a merozoite of Plasmodium falciparum which has a peptide of SEQ ID NO:1 or a sequence wherein SEQ ID NO:1 has been modified by insertion, deletion or substitution and the sequence inhibits the binding of monoclonal antibody 245 to Plasmodium merozoites, as well as fragments of the antibody; the present invention relates to composition and kits containing the same, as well as methods of using the same.

Abstract: Compositions that inhibit the binding of Plasmodium falciparum to erythrocytes are provided. More particularly, antibodies specific for Plasmodium falciparum binding proteins and blocking peptides that prevent the binding of Plasmodium falciparum are included in the present invention. The methods provided utilize the antibody and peptide compositions provided herein and include methods for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of Plasmodium falciparum diseases such as malaria as well as methods for the detection of Plasmodium falciparum in biological samples and culture media.

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed to particular monoclonal antibodies that find use in the identification and purification of Sarcocystis neurona and related antigens. In particular, these antibodies permit the diagnosis of Sarcocystis related diseases such as equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM).

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

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a fusion protein containing at least one binding domain that specifically recognizes an eptitope of a plant pathogen and at least one additional domain made from a protein or peptide sequence which is toxic to the pathogen or detrimental the replication, transmission or life cycle of the pathogen. The present invention is further drawn to a pathogenocide made from the binding domain, a cellular targeting sequence and/or membrane localization sequence that leads to membrane anchoring. The present invention is further drawn to nucleotide sequences encoding fusion proteins and pathogenocides and to vectors containing the nucleotide sequences; as well as methods of making the fusion proteins and pathogencides and methods of making pathogen resistant plants, plant cells, or plant tissues with the fusion proteins and pathogenocides.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a 31-33 kDa glycoprotein of D. immitis (DiT33) is provided which represents another member of the family of putative pepsin inhibitors. Other known members include Ov33 (a.k.a. Ov33.3, Oc3.6, OvD 5B), Bm33 and Av33. These filarial molecules possess significant homology to the known pepsin inhibitor (Aspi3) of A. suum. Using DiT33 or Ov33, in the form of a recombinant fusion or non-fusion protein, antibody responses to DiT33 may be monitored and used in immunodiagnosis of heartworm infection in mammals. Antibodies reactive with the DiT33 or Ov33 may also be used to detect DiT33 antigen as a means of immunodiagnosis of heartworm infection in mammals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (a) variable regions of heavy and light chains of an antibody specific to a surface antigen in sporozoite of Eimeria spp.; (b) a recombinant scFV (single chain variable fragment) antibody prepared using the variable regions; (c) a method for preparing a recombinant scFv antibody; and (d) an expression vector for expressing a recombinant scFv antibody.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful for conferring passive or active immunity to the parasite, C. parvum. A high molecular weight glycoprotein antigen isolated from C. parvum, capable of binding the mAb 3E2, was shown to harbor an epitope critical for triggering the neutralizing CSP-like reaction in the parasite. Antibodies targeted against the critical epitope were shown to possess neutralizing activity, and could be combined with other anti-C. parvum monoclonal antibodies and administered to an animal to confer passive immunity. Immunogenic compositions including the purified antigen are disclosed for use in stimulating an active immune response against C. parvum.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the detection of Taenia solium and the diagnosis of T. solium infection are described. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the antigenic T. solium polypeptides gp50a, gp50b and gp50c are provided. The compositions contain synthetic antigenic polypeptides of larval origin prepared using the sequences described herein. Probes and primers for the detection or amplification of T. solium nucleic acid molecules are also described. The polypeptides can be administered to a human or animal to protect against T. solium infection. In addition, the polypeptides are useful as research tools for studying T. solium and as reagents in assays for the detection of T. solium antibodies in a biological sample. The methods are sensitive and specific assays that utilize the stable recombinant or synthetic antigenic polypeptides or nucleic acid molecules encoding the larval polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides the RSP-1 and RSP-2 proteins which are involved in the cytoadheion of P. falciparum during ring-stage infection of erythrocytes, antibodies which bind to the proteins, methods of screening for a P. falciparum infection, methods of determining the infective stage of P. falciparum and vaccines for protecting individuals from Plasmodium sp. infections.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful for conferring passive or active immunity to the parasite, C. parvum. A high molecular weight glycoprotein antigen isolated from C. parvum, capable of binding the mAb 3E2, was shown to harbor an epitope critical for triggering the neutralizing CSP-like reaction in the parasite. Antibodies targeted against the critical epitope were shown to possess neutralizing activity, and could be combined with other anti-C. parvum monoclonal antibodies and administered to an animal to confer passive immunity. Immunogenic compositions including the purified antigen are disclosed for use in stimulating an active immune response against C. parvum.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies that specifically bind RSP-2 proteins which are involved in the cytoadhesion of P. falciparum during ring-stage infection of erythrocytes as well as methods of using these antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to parasite astacin metalloendopeptidase proteins, nucleic acid molecules having sequences that encode such proteins, antibodies raised against such proteins and compounds that can inhibit the activities of parasite astacin metalloendopeptidases. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such nucleic acid molecules, proteins, antibodies and inhibitors. The present invention also includes therapeutic compositions comprising such nucleic acid molecules, proteins, antibodies and inhibitors as well as their use to protect animals from disease caused by parasites, such as heartworm infection.

Abstract: The invention provides neuropeptide ligands, G protein-coupled receptors and methods of screening for modulators of receptor activity. Identified modulators, including neuropeptide ligand mimetics, are useful as biostatic and biocidal agents of varying scope, ranging from lethal activity restricted to particular invertebrate parasites to broad spectrum invertebrate parasiticides active on a wide range of invertebrates, including helminths and insects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the immunization of animals and humans with trypanosome tubulin to protect against trypanosomes. More particularly, the present invention relates to a substantially pure tubulin preparation, which comprises a tubulin extract from Trypanosoma brucei which tubulin preparation can protect animals and humans against heterologous strains of different species of Trypanosoma.

Abstract: Transfusion of contaminated blood has become the major route of transmission for Chagas' disease. Current screening tests are insensitive and yield conflicting results, while confirmatory assays do not exist. The present invention relates to antigens and their use for serological diagnosis of Chagas' disease. More specifically, the present invention concerns assays which are able to reliably and accurately detect the presence of antibodies to various specific antigens of Trypanosoma cruzi in a highly sensitive and specific manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (a) variable regions of heavy and light chains of an antibody specific to a surface antigen in sporozoite of Eimeria spp.; (b) a recombinant scFV (single chain variable fragment) antibody prepared using the variable regions; (c) a method for preparing a recombinant scFv antibody; and (d) an expression vector for expressing a recombinant scFv antibody.

Abstract: This invention relates to monoclonal antibodies which bind to non-enhancing protective epitopes on serotype A, B, C and D strains of C. neoformans, such protective epitopes containing acetyl groups in the polysaccharide of the epitopes. Other monoclonal antibodies of this invention are serotype specific, and bind to acetyl groups on polysaccharide capsule protective epitopes of serotype D strain C. neoformans only. This invention further relates to methods for producing these monoclonal antibodies. These monoclonal antibodies may be passively administered to treat and prevent cryptococcal infection, such as Cryptococcal meningitis, in immunosuppressed patients. These monoclonal antibodies may also be used for detection of fungal infection, for the development of diagnostic serotyping of clinical isolates, and as therapeutic adjuncts to anti-fungal antibiotic therapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ex vivo animal or challenge model as a method to identify protective (recombinant) proteins and rapidly measure protective immunity in intestinal segments directed against parasites and vaccines directed against parasitic infections. The invention further relates to 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. The invention further relates to protective (recombinant) proteins obtained from newly excysted juveniles (NEJ) of Fasciola hepatica. The protective (recombinant) protein corresponding to an NEJ protein has an apparent molecular weight of 32 kDa and an N-terminal amino acid sequence comprising the sequence XXDVSWPFWDRMYNY (SEQ ID NO:1).

Abstract: The process of the invention comprises the implementation of axenic conditions, with use of a liquid single-phase culture medium. For obtaining the 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, and in particular 400 to 550 milliosmoles/kg of liquid. For obtaining promastigote forms, this medium is buffered at a pH of 7 to 7.5 and has an osmolarity of at least 300 milliosmoles/kg of liquid. This process allows the adaptation and culture in vitro of different stages of tissular parasites, such as leishmanias and T. cruzi or also hematoprotozoa.

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed to particular monoclonal antibodies that find use in the identification and purification of Sarcocystis neurona and related antigens. In particular, these antibodies permit the diagnosis of Sarcocystis related diseases such as equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM).

Abstract: An immunoassay for Sarcocystis neurons antibodies in equines is described. The immunoassay uses blocking of Sarcocystis antigens by antibodies to Sarcocystis sp. other than Sarcocystis neurona in connection with the immunoassay.

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

Abstract: Methods are provided for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Abstract: A stable chicken hybridoma secreting a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that detects the conoid structure of Eimeria acervulina (E. acervulina) sporozoites has been developed. The hybridoma is made by fusing a thymidine kinase (TK)-deficient chicken myeloma with spleen cells from chickens immunized with sporozoite antigen. The monoclonal antibody recognizes sporozoite proteins on the conoid of the anterior tip of E. acervulina sporozoites. The monoclonal antibody has been shown to inhibit the invasion of sporozoites into CD8+ T cells in vitro thereby indicating its role in the recognition of host cells during the invasion process following infection with Eimeria parasites.

Abstract: A method of stimulating an immune response in a human against malignant cells or an infectious agent comprises the step of administering to the human an immunogenic amount of a primate anti-idiotype antibody or antibody fragment that acts as an immunogenic functional mimic of an antigen produced by or associated with a malignant cell or an infectious agent. Sub-human primate anti-idiotype antisera, especially from baboons, are preferred. Such anti-idiotype antibodies are used to make vaccines for inducing preventive immunity or a therapeutic immune response against tumors, viruses, bacteria, rickettsia, mycoplasma, protozoa, fungi and multicellular parasites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of toxoplasma gondii antigens and the preparation thereof by genetic engineering. A cDNA expression gene bank of this parasite was prepared. Recombinant clones which are of diagnostic interest were identified using a high-titer rabbit anti-Toxoplasma gondii serum, and isolated.

Abstract: Novel Protostrongylidea antigens and early and accurate diagnostic methods for Protostrongylidae infection are disclosed. Novel P. tenuis-specific antigens and methods of discriminating between P. tenuis infection and infection with other closely-related members of the Protostrongylidae family are provided. Novel E. cervi-specific antigens and methods of discriminating between E. cervi infection and infection with other closely-related members of the Protostrongylidae family are provided.

Abstract: The nucleotide sequence of Tc100, a gene encoding a new antigenic protein from Trypanosoma cruzi called PTc100, is disclosed. The amino acid sequence of the PTc100 protein is also disclosed, along with the amino acid sequence of the dominant antigenic epitope of the PTc100 protein. The PTc100 protein and Tc100 gene, or a fragment thereof, modified or otherwise, can be used directly or indirectly for the detection of Trypanosoma cruzi, or for the monitoring of an infection generated by T. cruzi in man or animals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a passive protective agent against P. vivax. The passive protective agent is an antibody that, when a concentration of the antibody is injected intravenously, protects a subject to the limits of that concentration of antibody from developing malaria when the subject is subsequently challenged with live, infectious P. vivax sporozoites. The invention includes methods of treatment and pharmaceutical formulations of the agent.