The United States of America, As Represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services

New York Blood Center, Inc.

Thomas Jefferson University

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc.

Thomas B Nutman

Sasisekhar Bennuru

Sara Lustigman

Peter D Burbelo

David Abraham

Edward E Mitre

Papa Makhktar Drame

Christopher Morris

Joseph Kubofcik

Doran Fink

Disclosed herein are immunogenic compositions for preventing or treating infection with filarial parasites and biomarkers for diagnosing infection with filarial parasites.

Biomarkers and immunogenic compositions for filarial parasites

Disclosed are methods of detecting the presence ofin a biological sample using one or more antigens, each having a different amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-20. Related compositions, specific binding partners, and test kits are also disclosed.

Compositions and methods for detecting

The present disclosure is directed to an immunogenic composition including: at least one or at least two isolated polypeptides or immunogenic fragments thereof, and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein each polypeptide is expressed on a luminal surface of an intestine of a filarial worm, wherein each polypeptide is expressed at a level at least two-fold higher in the intestine in comparison to the level of expression of each polypeptide in a reproductive tract or a body wall of the filarial worm, wherein each isolated polypeptide has at least one transmembrane domain, and wherein each polypeptide is a non-mitochondrial polypeptide. Also provided herein is a method for preventing or treating a filarial disease.

Immunogenic compositions and vaccines for preventing or treating filarial disease

The polynucleotide encoding the antigen Wb123 from the filarial nematode, the major causative organism of lymphatic filariasis is provided, along with the polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide. Methods for making the WM23 antigen, recombinant vectors encoding the Wb123 polynucleotide, and methods of detection of the Wb123 antigen through luciferase immunoprecipitation, ELISA and other detection systems are also provided.

Diagnostic assays and methods of use for detection of filarial infection

The polynucleotide encoding the SSIR gene from the nematodeis provided, along with the polypeptide encoded by the SSIR gene. It was found that when mice were immunized with the SSIR polypeptide vaccine, it provided immunity to mice which were implanted withL3 implants. Methods for making the SSIR protein, recombinant vectors encoding the SSIR gene, a vaccine made from the SSIR protein, and methods of use are also provided.

Growing community of inventors

Chevy Chase, MD, United States of America

Thomas B Nutman