Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and materials for treating conditions associated with IgE activation in humans and animals, and to agents capable of modulating the activation. The agents of the invention comprise or are related to IGBPMA polypeptides from ticks.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and materials for treating conditions associated with IgE activation in humans and animals, and to agents capable of modulating the activation. The agents of the invention comprise or are related to IGBPMA polypeptides from ticks.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the identification of novel receptors and/or novel ligands. The invention is based on the concept that parasites have developed a number of biologically active compounds in their saliva to cope with the defense mechanisms of the host organisms on which they feed and to manipulate the biological functions of host molecules to their advantage. These saliva compounds can be used to identify novel molecules within the host systems. Furthermore, these saliva compounds can be used to elucidate the functions of molecules whose existence is already known.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel protease inhibitor proteins that have been identified in ticks. These proteins may be used as components of vaccines, as inhibitors of mast cell tryptase, in detection of mast cells and in the isolation and purification of mast cell tryptase. The invention also relates to the control of diseases and injury caused by parasites in animals and humans and to the use of the proteins of the invention in the treatment of certain diseases and allergies.

Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery that various proteins isolated from ticks are effective in the treatment and prevention of allergic rhinitis. These proteins may most suitably be applied to an effected area and are thus effective to treat this condition and to ameliorate its symptoms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that various proteins isolated from ticks are effective in the treatment of conjunctivitis. These proteins may most suitably be applied topically to an affected area and are effective to ameliorate the symptoms of this condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of tick cement proteins in the production of vaccines for protecting animals against the bite of blood-sucking ectoparasites and against the transmission of viruses, bacteria and other pathogens by such ectoparasites. When used as vaccine components, the tick cement proteins of the invention confer broad cross-reactivity against a variety of species of ectoparasite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tissue cement proteins produced by certain species of blood-feeding ectoparasites. These proteins and compositions comprising these proteins are particularly useful for the temporary or permanent bonding of animal tissues to each other or to other biomaterials. The present invention also relates to the use of tissue cement proteins in the production of vaccines that protect animals against the bite of blood-sucking ectoparasites and the transmission of viruses, bacteria and other pathogens by such ectoparasites.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the identification of novel receptors and/or novel ligands. The invention is based on the concept that parasites have developed a number of biologically active compounds in their saliva to cope with the defense mechanisms of the host organisms on which they feed and to manipulate the biological functions of host molecules to their advantage. These saliva compounds can be used to identify novel molecules within the host systems. Furthermore, these saliva compounds can be used to elucidate the functions of molecules whose existence is already known.

Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery that various proteins isolated from ticks are effective in the treatment and prevention of allergic rhinitis. These proteins may most suitably be applied to an effected area and are thus effective to treat this condition and to ameliorate its symptoms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that various proteins isolated from ticks are effective in the treatment of conjunctivitis. These proteins may most suitably be applied topically to an affected area and are effective to ameliorate the symptoms of this condition.