USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

Other

Epimmune Inc.

Gene Therapy Systems, Inc.

Pharmexa Inc.

Denise L Doolan

Stephen L Hoffman

Philip L Felgner

Alessandro D Sette

John Sidney

Scott Southwood

Yupin Charoenvit

Daniel John Carucci

Richard C Hedstrom

Gary Todd Brice

The subject invention provides novelantigens and novel polynucleotides encoding these antigens. Also provided by the subject invention are methods of using these antigens and polynucleotides.

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Here, we describe a sensitive and specific assay and kit for the detection of chemokines having activity that is upregulated by Th-1 cytokines (such IFN-&#x3b3;) and chemokines that upregulate the activity of Th-1 cytokines (such as IFN-&#x3b3;). In a typical embodiment, detection of the chemokine monokine induced by gamma interferon (MIG) provides a measure of the biological effect of IFN-&#x3b3; rather than direct quantitation of IFN-&#x3b3; or IFN-&#x3b3; secreting cells per se. Upregulation of MIG expression was observed following in vitro activation of PBMC with defined CD8T cell epitopes derived from influenza virus, CMV, or EBV, and in all cases this was antigen-specific, genetically restricted and dependent on both CD8T cells and IFN-&#x3b3;. Responses as assessed by the MIG assay paralleled those detected by conventional IFN-&#x3b3; ELISPOT, but the magnitude of response and sensitivity of the MIG assay were superior. Our data validate this novel method for the detection of high as well as low levels of antigen-specific and genetically restricted IFN-&#x3b3; activity or MIG.

Assay for detecting immune responses involving antigen specific cytokine and/or antigen specific cytokine secreting T-cells

Methods of rapidly generating and analyzing a plurality of polypeptides are disclosed. More specifically, libraries and arrays of polypeptides are assayed in order to determine their individual immunogenic effect. Based on the immunogenic effect of polypeptides, specific subunit vaccines can be developed.

Protein arrays and methods and systems for producing the same

The present invention relates to an umbrella where the canopy is dyed with a color changing dye. The dye may be thermochromic, changing colors as the temperature changes. Photochromic dyes, which change color in sunlight, may also be used. The dye may be applied to the panels to form a variety of images.

Color changing umbrella

An IgG1 monoclonal antibody, Navy Yoelii Liver Stage 3 (NYLS3) does not recognize sporozoites, but recognizes P. yoelii liver stage parasites within 6 hours of invasion of mouse hepatocytes, and throughout the hepatic and asexual erythrocytic stages of the life cycle. When added to primary cultures of mouse hepatocytes 24 hours after inoculation with P. yoelii sporozoites, when all sporozoites have invaded hepatocytes, NYLS3 eliminates up to 98% of liver stage parasites. Intravenous injection of NYLS3 into mice delays the onset and reduces the density of blood stage parasitemia after sporozoite or blood stage challenge. The protein recognized by this mAb is identified and designated P. yoelii hepatic and erythrocytic stage protein, 17-kDa or PyHEP17. The gene encoding PyHEP17 and a DNA vaccine comprising exons of the DNA that encodes PyHEP17 are disclosed. A DNA vaccine consisting of exon 1 and part of exon 2 of the gene encoding PyHEP17 protects 86% of A/J mice, 33%-43% of B10.BR mice, 17%-29% of BALB/c mice and 14%-20% of B10.Q mice from development of blood-stage parasitemia. A combination of DNA vaccines consisting of a PyHEP17 DNA vaccine and a PyCSP DNA vaccine confers complete protection against development of blood-stage parasitemia in BALB/c mice and 71% protection in A/J and B10.BR mice. This DNA vaccine-induced protection may be additive. Combinations of other malaria antigens are covered. The application discloses the P. falciparum homolog of PyHEP17 and includes the means of identification of the PyHEP17 homologs of the other Plasmodium species which infect humans, specifically P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae.

Protective 17 KDA malaria hepatic and erythrocytic stage immunogen and

Growing community of inventors

Rockville, MD, United States of America

Denise L Doolan