Vaccine vectors and methods of using the vaccine vectors to enhance the immune response to an Apicomplexan parasite and reduce the morbidity or mortality associated with subsequent infection are provided herein. The vaccine vectors include a polynucleotide encoding a Rhomboid polypeptide and optionally include an immune-stimulatory polypeptide suitably expressed on the surface of the vaccine vector.

Vaccine vectors and methods of using the vaccine vectors to enhance the immune response to an Apicomplexan parasite and reduce the morbidity or mortality associated with subsequent infection are provided herein. The vaccine vectors include a polynucleotide encoding a Rhomboid polypeptide and optionally include an immune-stimulatory polypeptide suitably expressed on the surface of the vaccine vector.

Antigens of Toxoplasma gondii that provide specific and strong delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) immune response, or which stimulate IFN-y secretion, are used for testing subjects for infection. Any skin testing format may be adapted for testing for the delayed type hypersensitivity, including a patch, a needle, or a prong. Presence of DTH indicates infection. Alternate methods of detecting a T cell response including monitoring IFN-y secretion may be used.

Antigens of Toxoplasma gondii that provide specific and strong delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) immune response, or which stimulate IFN-y secretion, are used for testing subjects for infection. Any skin testing format may be adapted for testing for the delayed type hypersensitivity, including a patch, a needle, or a prong. Presence of DTH indicates infection. Alternate methods of detecting a T cell response including monitoring IFN-y secretion may be used.

The invention pertains to methods and vaccines suitable for preventing or reducing malaria transmission. The vaccines block the interaction between α-tubulin from a malarial parasite and FREP-1 from the mid-gut of a malaria carrier mosquito, for example, Anopheles gambiae.

Provided herein are PEGylated liposomes, and methods of making and using thereof. The PEGylated liposomes comprise at least a cholesterol, a non-PEGylated neutral lipid, and a PEGylated lipid, wherein the average molecular weight of the PEG component in the PEGylated lipid is about 5000 Daltons or less. The PEGylated liposomes are stable and capable of delivery of an agent for the generation of an immune response, for example an agent for vaccine, therapeutic, or diagnostic uses. Compositions and methods related to making the PEGylated liposomes and using the PEGylated liposomes for stimulating an immune response are also provided.

The invention pertains to methods and vaccines suitable for preventing or reducing malaria transmission. The vaccines block the interaction between α-tubulin from a malarial parasite and FREP-1 from the mid-gut of a malaria carrier mosquito, for example, Anopheles gambiae.

Provided herein are compositions of trehalose phospholipids and uses thereof, e.g., compounds and compositions comprising 6,6′-diphosphatidyltrehalose (diPT) and analogs thereof with modifications of the diPT chemical scaffold, that bind and agonize Mincle, and the use thereof as adjuvants.

Provided herein are compositions of trehalose phospholipids and uses thereof, e.g., compounds and compositions comprising 6,6′-diphosphatidyltrehalose (diPT) and analogs thereof with modifications of the diPT chemical scaffold, that bind and agonize Mincle, and the use thereof as adjuvants.

Described are immunogenic proteins against Clostridium difficile. Also described are compositions comprising the immunogenic proteins. Further described are methods of preventing or treating a Clostridium difficile infection in a subject in need thereof.