Replikin peptides in rapid replication of glioma cells and in influenza epidemics

Abstract

Peptides of influenza virus hemagglutinin protein and Plasmodium falciparum malaria antigen, antibodies specific for the peptides, influenza vaccines, malaria vaccines and methods of stimulating the immune response of a subject to produce antibodies to influenza virus or malaria are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for formulating vaccines for influenza virus.

1 - 35 . (canceled) 
     
     
         36 . An isolated or synthesized  Plasmodium falciparum  Replikin peptide consisting of 7 to about 50 amino acids with a lysine residue on one end of the peptide and a lysine residue or a histidine residue on the other end of the peptide wherein said peptide comprises:
 (1) at least one lysine residue located six to ten residues from a second lysine residue;   (2) at least one histidine residue; and   (3) at least 6% lysine residues.   
     
     
         37 . The peptide of  claim 36  comprising overlapping Replikin peptide sequences. 
     
     
         38 . An antibody that specifically binds to a  Plasmodium falciparum  peptide sequence of  claim 36 . 
     
     
         39 . An antibody cocktail comprising a plurality of antibodies wherein each of the plurality of antibodies specifically binds to a  Plasmodium falciparum  peptide sequence of  claim 36 . 
     
     
         40 . A composition comprising the antibody of  claim 38  and a pharmaceutical composition. 
     
     
         41 . A method of stimulating the immune system of a subject to produce antibodies to  Plasmodium falciparum  comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of at least one  Plasmodium falciparum  Replikin peptide of  claim 36  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41  wherein the Replikin peptide is located on the merozoite surface or within the parasitophorous vacuole of the  Plasmodium falciparum.    
     
     
         43 - 48 . (canceled) 
     
     
         49 . A composition comprising the antibody cocktail of  claim 39  and a pharmaceutical composition.