Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides, preferably from Drosophila melanogaster (DmShaI) as target for insecticides.

Abstract: A polypeptide solution of the present invention is a polypeptide solution in which a polypeptide derived from natural spider silk proteins is dissolved in a solvent. The solvent contains at least one selected from the following (i)-(iii): (i) DMSO; (ii) DMSO with an inorganic salt; and (iii) DMF with an inorganic salt. Further, in the present invention, an artificial polypeptide fiber is obtained by: using the polypeptide solution as a dope solution; and extruding the dope solution from a spinneret into a desolvation bath so as to eliminate the solvent from the dope solution and form a fiber to produce an undrawn yarn. Moreover, in the present invention, a polypeptide is purified by subjecting the polypeptide solution to heat treatment and thereafter removing an undissolved substance therefrom.

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

Abstract: A polypeptide solution of the present invention is a polypeptide solution in which a polypeptide derived from natural spider silk proteins is dissolved in a solvent. The solvent contains at least one selected from the following (i)-(iii): (i) DMSO; (ii) DMSO with an inorganic salt; and (iii) DMF with an inorganic salt. Further, in the present invention, an artificial polypeptide fiber is obtained by: using the polypeptide solution as a dope solution; and extruding the dope solution from a spinneret into a desolvation bath so as to eliminate the solvent from the dope solution and form a fiber to produce an undrawn yarn. Moreover, in the present invention, a polypeptide is purified by subjecting the polypeptide solution to heat treatment and thereafter removing an undissolved substance therefrom.

Abstract: A method of constructing a VHH library from an immunized camelid, using whole venom or an extract thereof. There is also provided VHH antibody fragments isolated from a library produced in hyperimmunized llama. These VHH antibody fragments were sequenced, and specifically bind ?-cobratoxin.

Abstract: Bee venom may be administered in a standardized formulation with or without relatively small amounts of anesthetic. In particular, the results of the combination of venom and anesthetic dramatically decreased pain and discomfort for patients undergoing apitherapy.

Abstract: The presently described subject matter relates to isolated spider venom peptides, which are used as potent and selective ion channel blockers, and to a composition and methods for treatment of pain.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for blocking calcium channels with a spider toxin from Phoneutria nigriventer are provided. For easy identification the toxin will be sometimes generally referred to as Ph?-1B herein. The toxin comprises a 55-amino acid sequence having a molecular weight of approximately 6,017. This Ph?-1B spider toxin was found to block calcium channels within the nervous system. The synthetic gene responsible for producing this toxin has been designed and cloned. This gene and/or its derivative provide a mechanism by which the toxin can be produced using recombinant DNA expression technologies. The present invention further relates to methods of treating neurological diseases and pain by applying the isolated and identified toxins. The toxin Ph?-1B may provide beneficial effects on pain and certain neurological conditions including seizures, ischemic- hypoxic, CNS damage, and neurodegenerative disorders. It was also found that the toxins are effective as tags in probing calcium channels.

Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacture of a unit dose of a medicament for relieving the symptoms and/or restoring and/or protecting the neurons of patients suffering from Parkinson's disease. According to the invention, apamine is used in an amount of between 1 and 10 micrograms inclusive, for the manufacture of a unit dose for subcutaneous injection, every one to six weeks, of a medicament for relieving the symptoms and/or restoring and/or protecting the neurons of patients suffering from Parkinson's disease. The invention finds use in particular in the field of pharmacy.

Abstract: A family of insecticidal polypeptides expressed in the venom gland of spiders of the genera Atrax and Hadronyche have been described. Also included are polynucleotides and expression vectors encoding the polypeptides and insect viruses and cells expressing the polypeptides. Transgenic plants and insects expressing the insecticidal polypeptides are also described. The insecticidal polypeptides may be employed in methods and compositions for treating insects, insect larvae, and plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacture of a unit dose of a medicament for relieving the symptoms and/or restoring and/or protecting the neurons of patients suffering from Parkinson's disease. According to the invention, bee's venom is used in an amount of between 33 and 330 micrograms inclusive, for the manufacture of a unit dose for subcutaneous injection, every one to six weeks, of a medicament for relieving the symptoms and/or restoring and/or protecting the neurons of patients suffering from Parkinson's disease. The invention finds use in particular in the field of pharmacy.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. Specifically, this invention relates to the field of gene expression. More specifically, this invention relates to novel substitution mutant receptors and their use in a nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating the expression of a gene in a host cell for applications such as gene therapy, large scale production of proteins and antibodies, cell-based high throughput screening assays, functional genomics and regulation of traits in transgenic organisms.

Abstract: The subject invention provides exciting new sources for surprising, new types of toxin complex (“TC”) proteins. The subject invention includes these new classes and types of TC proteins. The subject invention also includes polynucleotides that encode the subject proteins. The subject invention further provides vectors and cells comprising these polynucleotides. The subject invention also provides novel methods of controlling insects. The subject invention relates in part to the surprising discovery that new types of TC proteins can be obtained from a widely diverse phylogenetic spectrum of organisms including, most notably and surprisingly, eukaryotic fungus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tick octopamine receptor nucleic acid molecules; to tick octopamine receptor proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules; to antibodies raised against such proteins; and to compounds that inhibit the activity of such proteins. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitory compounds. The present invention also includes inhibitory compounds, particularly those that specifically inhibit tick octopamine receptor activity, as well as the use of such compounds to treat animals.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated insecticidal polypeptides expressed in the venom gland of spiders of the genera Atrax and Hadronyche have been described. Methods of treating insects, insect larvae, and plants with the insecticidal polypeptides are also described.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a peptide of SEQ ID NO:1 and its variants that blocks stretch-activated ion channels. All amino acids in this peptide are D-amino acids. The peptide, designated as D-GsMTx4, is an enantiomer of a peptide GsMTX-4 present in the venom of the spider Grammostola spatulata. The present invention also discloses a method for inhibition of stretch activated ion channels in a cell. This peptide can be used for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and other pathologies that involve alterations in mechanical stress.

Abstract: The invention relates to mutant nuclear hormone receptors that encode mutant nuclear hormone receptors, in which particular amino acid residues are substituted with respect to wild type, so as to be able to detect ligand binding to the mutant receptor by either a change in a physical property of the mutant receptor and/or an transcriptional induction of a nuclear hormone receptor construct. The invention also relates to a nuclear hormone receptor response element denoted by the formula YDRXZ comprising a direct repeat (DR) comprising two half sites separated by X nucleic acid bases; wherein Z indicates the presence of at least one DR oriented in either a forward or reverse orientation; wherein Y equals 1 to 8 forward and/or reverse direct repeats; and X equals 1 to about 12.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lepidopteran octopamine/tyramine transporter. Nucleic acids encoding the transporter, and vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acids are provided. The invention further provides a recombinant octopamine/tyramine transporter, kits and compositions comprising the transporter, and methods of identifying agents that mediate the activity of the transporter.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides having T cell stimulating activity termed recombitope peptides. Recombitope peptides of the invention preferably comprise at least two T cell epitopes derived from the same or from different protein antigens, and more preferably comprise at least two regions, each region preferably having human T cell stimulating activity and each region comprising at least one T cell epitope derived from a protein antigen. Recombitope peptides of the invention can be derived from protein allergens, autoantigens, or other protein antigens. The invention also provides methods of diagnosing sensitivity to a protein allergen or other protein antigen in an individual, methods to treat such sensitivity and therapeutic compositions comprising one or more recombitope peptides. The invention further provides methods for designing recombitope peptides of the invention where the protein antigen to which the individual is sensitive has unknown or ill-defined T cell epitopes.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing hematophagous infestation of cattle are provided, directed at isolated proteins that disrupt platelet aggregation. Also provided are nucleotide sequences encoding the proteins. The exemplary haematollogen protein was isolated from the salivary glands of Haematobia irritans. The compositions are useful as veterinary vaccines in prevention of blood-feeding in cattle by the infesting horn fly and are also useful in treatment of thrombosis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel product and method for isolating ectoparasite saliva proteins, and a novel product and method for detecting and/or treating allergic dermatitis in an animal. The present invention includes a saliva protein collection apparatus capable of collecting ectoparasite saliva proteins substantially free of contaminating material. The present invention also relates to ectoparasite saliva proteins, nucleic acid molecules having sequences that encode such proteins, and antibodies raised against such proteins. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins and to use such proteins to identify animals susceptible to or having allergic dermatitis. The present invention also includes therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins and their use to treat animals susceptible to or having allergic dermatitis.

Abstract: The methods and compositions of the present invention find use in impacting microbial pathogens and in enhancing disease resistance to pathogens, particularly by plants. The compositions of the invention include polypeptides that possess antimicrobial properties, particularly fungicidal properties, and the encoding nucleic acid molecules. The polypeptides of the invention are isolated from the hemolymph and fat bodies of insect larvae induced by injection of plant pathogenic fungi. Further provided are plant cells, plants, and seed thereof, transformed with the nucleic acid molecules of the invention so as to confer disease resistance on the plant.

Abstract: It is intended to provide thermotolerant and antimicrobial proteins having a broad antibacterial spectrum and being useful in the agricultural, medical and industrial field; and plants resistant to pathogenic microorganisms. Namely, DNAs comprising the base sequences represented by SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 5 respectively; antimicrobial proteins encoded by these DNAs; and fungicides, antibacterial agents and antibacterial/antifungal agents for industrial use comprising the antimicrobial proteins as the active ingredient.

Abstract: A potent peptide inhibitor (SuperSog) of TGF-&bgr; family growth factor signalling, peptide variants thereof and nucleotide coding sequences therefor are provided by the invention. The Super-Sog peptide comprises a fragment of the Drosophilia short gastrulation (Sog) gene which includes the CR-1 cysteine-rich repeat of Sog. Methods and compositions for use of Super-Sog in therapeutic and diagnostic applications are also provided.

Abstract: Variants of allergens of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus species with reduced allergenic activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery that various proteins isolated from ticks are effective in the treatment and prevention of allergic rhinitis. These proteins may most suitably be applied to an effected area and are thus effective to treat this condition and to ameliorate its symptoms.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the existence of novel insect transporters that can be used as targets for screening of new insecticides. This invention provides nucleic acids which encode the following insect cell membrane transporters: acetylcholine transporters, serotonin transporters, proline transporters, glutamate transporters, neurotransmitter transporters encoded by the inebriated gene, orphan transporters, GABA transporters, and LAT transporters. The invention also provides the polypeptides, cells expressing the polypeptides, and methods of using the nucleic acids and polypeptides to identify compounds which bind to or modulate the activity of the above-listed insect cell membrane transporters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that various proteins isolated from ticks are effective in the treatment of conjunctivitis. These proteins may most suitably be applied topically to an affected area and are effective to ameliorate the symptoms of this condition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lepidopteran octopamine/tyramine transporter. Nucleic acids encoding the transporter, and vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acids are provided. The invention further provides a recombinant octopamine/tyramine transporter, kits and compositions comprising the transporter, and methods of identifying agents that mediate the activity of the transporter.

Abstract: A novel class of peptides selectively block class E voltage-gated calcium channels. The class is exemplified by HG peptides such as HG-1, which is isolated from the venom-producing cells of the tarantula Hysterocrates gigas. Also disclosed are methods of producing blocking class E channels using the peptides. HG peptides have utility, for example, in inhibiting oxytocin release and for use as anticonvulsants.

Abstract: A substantially non-toxic fraction isolated from the venom of Vipera xanthina is disclosed which fraction has an analgesic effect. The fraction is preferably purified on an ion exchange column from Vipera xanthina palestinae. Also described are a pharmaceutical composition for use as an analgesic comprising the non-toxic fraction, and a method for the relief of pain comprising administrating the non-toxic fraction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flea ecdysone receptor and ultraspiracle proteins; to flea ecdysone receptor and ultraspiracle nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode such flea ecdysone receptor and ultraspiracle proteins; to antibodies raised against such flea ecdysone receptor and ultraspiracle proteins; and to compounds that inhibit flea ecdysone receptor and/or ultraspiracle 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 a protective compound derived from a protein of the present invention that inhibits the binding between ecdysone receptor and ecdysone as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to protect animals from flea infestation.

Abstract: A substantially pure, isolated, antigenic protein from fungi of the genus Malassezia, characterized in that said antigenic protein has a binding ability to IgE antibodies from patients with allergoses; an antigenic fragment derived from the antigenic protein; and an antibody against the antigenic protein or fragments thereof. According to the present invention, there can be provided an isolated and purified antigenic protein having high purity from Malassezia, antigenic fragments thereof, and a specific antibody against those antigenic protein or fragments thereof. In addition, there can be provided a diagnostic agent, a therapeutic agent, or a prophylactic drug for Malassezia allergoses, wherein the agent includes, as an active ingredient, the antigenic protein or fragments thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flea serine protease proteins and flea cysteine protease proteins; to flea serine protease and cysteine protease nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode such proteins; to antibodies raised against such proteins; and to compounds that inhibit flea serine protease and/or cysteine protease activities. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and inhibitors. Also included in the present invention are therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins, nucleic acid molecules, antibodies, and/or inhibitors as well as the use of such therapeutic compositions to protect a host animal from flea infestation.

Abstract: Synthetic peptide fragments from pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide PBAN (1-33)-NH2 of Helicoverpa zea which have either pheromone biosynthesis stimulating or inhibiting activity.

Abstract: A method which enable to provide sufficient amount of insect OBP, and moreover, to produce on a large scale under the condition of physiological activation is proposed. The functional expression of pheromone binding protein from B. mori, whereby it is expressed with Escherichia coli by the pET-22b vector which contains the pe1B signal peptide.

Abstract: Novel plectoxins isolated from the Primitive Hunting Spider, Plectreurys tristis are described, and their amino acid sequences are presented. These are toxic to various groups of insects, including Lepidopterans. A particularly potent plectoxin is Plt-VI. The plectoxins may be cloned into a baculovirus vector and hasten its speed of kill.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides are isolated from the venom of the parasitic wasp, Bracon hebetor, and are designated Brh-I to Brh-V. These polypeptides are paralytic and/or toxic to insects. The entire amino acid sequence of Brh-I and the DNA encoding it is also determined. These polypeptides may be cloned into a baculovirus, and used for insect control.

Abstract: This invention relates to an antigen isolated from the cattle tick Boophilus microplus and to the gene coding for that antigen and to the protein product of that gene. The antigen when used in part or in entirety as an immunogen administered to cattle as a vaccine results in the production by the cattle of an immune response which is capable of damaging ticks feeding on vaccinated cattle to such an extent that the survival of such ticks is decreased and/or the reproductive capacity of the ticks is decreased to such an extent that the antigen coded for by the gene can be used as an effective vaccine against said ticks.

Abstract: A method is provided that accelerates the rate of kill of pests such as from the order Lepidoptera. The method comprises treating the pests or their loci with at least two different insect toxins which are expressed from at least one recombinant microbe. Pairs of toxins that do not compete with each other on the same binding site and that differ in their pharmacology have been found to provide synergistic control. Preferred insecticidal microbes are baculoviruses.

Abstract: A novel class of peptides selectively block class E voltage-gated calcium channels. The class is exemplified by HG peptides such as HG-1, which is isolated from the venom-producing cells of the tarantula Hysterocrates gigas. Also disclosed are methods of producing blocking class E channels using the peptides. HG peptides have utility, for example, in inhibiting oxytocin release and for use as anticonvulsants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to immunogenic peptides from vespid antigen 5. These immunogenic peptides can be used in immunotherapy for vespid venom allergic individuals. The present invention is thus directed to T cell epitopes of vespid antigen 5 that can anergize T cell responses in sensitive individuals.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there can be provided a bioluminescent protein, luciferase excellent in thermostability etc. and with high catalytic efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ectoparasite histamine releasing factor (HRF) proteins; to ectoparasite HRF nucleic acid molecules, including those that encode such HRF proteins; to antibodies raised against such HRF proteins; and to compounds that inhibit ectoparasite HRF 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 reduce ectoparasite burden of animals.

Abstract: A gene coding for a peptidoglysan recognition peptide (PGRP) is cloned, a recombinant vector into which said gene is introduced is obtained, and a transformant transformed with said recombinant vector is cultivated, thereby producing the PGRP in large amounts at high purity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of hymenoptera venom or proteinaceous or polypeptide components contained therein in the manufacture of a medicament for treating DNA virus infections, and to a method for treatment of mammalian DNA virus infections which uses hymenoptera venom or proteinaceous or polypeptide components contained therein.

Abstract: Stabilized ubiquitin-lytic peptide fusion polypeptides and a method of making the same by sub-cloning nucleic acid sequences coding for lytic peptides into a plasmid vector comprising a promoter and ubiquitin polypeptide coding sequence, wherein the ubiquitin polypeptide sequence is linked to the 5' end of the lytic peptide nucleic acid sequence and is translated as a fusion polypeptide.

Abstract: Antivenoms to snake, spider, scorpion and jelly fish venoms are produced for treatment of humans and animals, and for analytical use. Polyvalent antivenoms are produced containing immunoglobulin which is greater than fifty percent venom reactive. Purified polyvalent antivenom is derived from a first polyvalent antivenom having two or more monovalent subpopulations, and purified such that greater than fifty percent of the monovalent subpopulations are recovered by weight. The antivenoms can be horse or avian such as chicken antivenom. Chicken antivenom is obtained using a whole venom that is not glutaraldehyde pretreated, and the antivenom contains yolk immunoglobulin. Antivenoms are purified with an antigen matrix containing a single whole venom or a plurality of whole venoms covalently attached to an insoluble support such as aldehyde-activated agarose. Preferably, the whole venoms forming the plurality of whole venoms are selected from the four whole venoms of C. atrox, B. atrox, C. adamanteus and C.

Abstract: A novel polypeptide derived from the leech Hirudo medicinalis was found to be able to inhibit Factor Xa thereby reducing the extent of blood coagulation. The polypeptide is useful in treating conditions of excessive blood coagulation. A recombinant organism containing cDNA encoding the polypeptide has been deposited in the ATCC under Accession No. 69134. Recombinant microorganisms able to produce the polypeptide have been deposited in the ATCC under Accession Nos. 69135, 69137 and 69269.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of hymenoptera venom or proteinaceous or polypeptide components contained therein in the manufacture of a medicament for treating DNA virus infections, and to a method for the treatment of mammalian DNA virus infections which uses hymenoptera venom or proteinaceous or polypeptide components contained therein.