Abstract: The present invention relates to IgE epitope-like peptides which have ability to bind to allergen specific IgE paratopes. Said allergen specific IgEs are bound to effector cells of allergic patients. The IgE epitope-like peptides of the invention cover the paratopes of said IgE bound on effector cells, prevent biding of causative allergen on said IgE on effector cells, and thereby prevent degranulation and secretion of mediators of allergic inflammation from effector cells, after contact with the causative allergen. The present invention relates to the methods of using such IgE epitope-like peptides for therapy of allergic reaction. Said allergic reaction is caused by exposure to the causative allergen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microorganisms that express, or have attached to their surface, a TNF? binding polypeptide. Peptides expressed or attached on the surface of microorganism are more resistant to chemical and enzymatic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. Such microorganisms are capable of binding TNF? and therefore reducing the content of free TNF? and alleviating its pro-inflammatory effects in the gut. The invention also relates to the use of such microorganisms as medicament in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microorganisms that express, or have attached to their surface, a TNF? binding polypeptide. Peptides expressed or attached on the surface of microorganism are more resistant to chemical and enzymatic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. Such microorganisms are capable of binding TNF? and therefore reducing the content of free TNF? and alleviating its pro-inflammatory effects in the gut. The invention also relates to the use of such microorganisms as medicament in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: A method of protecting a plant or part of a plant from insect or nematode infestation is disclosed herein. The method includes the steps of: inserting into the genome of cells or tissue from a plant a sequence coding for equistatin operably linked to a promoter sequence active in the plant to cause expression of the protein at levels which provide an insect or nematode controlling amount of the protein; and regenerating resistant whole plants from the cells or tissue. Also disclosed is a transgenic plant or its sexual progeny which is resistant to attack by one or more insects or nematodes having digestive cysteine proteases. Also disclosed is an expression vehicle that includes a promotor effective to promote expression of a downstream coding sequence in plant cells, the expression vehicle being effective to express in plant cells insect controlling amounts of equistatin.