Abstract: Provided are a novel Dermatophagoides farinae protein, and a diagnostic drug, a prophylactic drug and a therapeutic drug for an allergic disease caused by Dermatophagoides farinae. A Dermatophagoides farinae protein selected from the group consisting of the following (a) to (c), or a fragment peptide thereof: (a) a protein including an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2; (b) a protein including an amino acid sequence in which one or several amino acids have been substituted, deleted, or added relative to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, and having allergenicity of Dermatophagoides farinae; and (c) a protein including an amino acid sequence having 90% or higher identity with the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, and having allergenicity of Dermatophagoides farinae.

Abstract: The invention herein disclosed is related to epitopes useful in methods of diagnosing, treating, and preventing coeliac disease. Therapeutic compositions which comprise at least one epitope are provided.

Abstract: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease characterized by granulomatous inflammation in affected organs. The present invention discloses kits and a system for a blood test using mycobacterial catalase-peroxidase that has a high positive predictive value for confirming a diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to test kits for the determination of allergic dermatitis caused by insect bites in an animal such as horses, and to compositions and methods for desensitization. It was found that a culture supernatant or a cell extract of Sf21 insect cells is suitable for reliable test kits and for compositions for desensitization.

Abstract: The micropatch of the present invention provides a reliable and effective system of elicitation necessary for the diagnostic identification of allergy cases whilst substantially reducing the chances of sensitising subjects, the present invention employs a micropatch.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing coeliac disease, or susceptibility to coeliac disease, in an individual comprising: (a) contacting a sample from the host with an agent selected from (i) the epitope comprising sequence which is: SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, or an equivalent sequence from a naturally occurring homologue of the gliadin represented by SEQ ID NO: 3, (ii) an epitope comprising sequence comprising: SEQ ID NO: 1, or an equivalent sequence from a naturally occurring homologue of the gliadin represented by SEQ ID NO: 3, which epitope is an isolated oligopeptide derived from a gliadin protein, (iii) an analogue of (i) or (ii) which is capable of being recognised by a T cell receptor that recognises (i) or (ii), which in the case of a peptide analogue is not more than 50 amino acids in length, or (iv) a product comprising two or more agents as defined in (i), (ii) or (iii), and (b) determining in vitro whether T cells in the sample recognise the agent; recognition by the T cells indicating that the individual has, or is su

Abstract: The use of scorpion antivenom for the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of hypertension and/or cancer in a subject is disclosed as well as the treatment of the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rapid, non-invasive and highly specific and sensitive diagnostic assay for the identification of individuals with autoimmune chronic urticaria, which makes use of CD203c, and in some embodiments, additional proteins, as a marker for the disease. Test kits for diagnosis of an individual suspected of having autoimmune chronic urticaria are also disclosed. Also disclosed are a method of identifying compounds useful for treating autoimmune chronic urticaria and a method of treating autoimmune chronic urticaria.

Abstract: There is provided a skin test diagnostic reagent comprising at least one CFP-10 epitope polypeptide, at least one ESAT-6 epitope polypeptide and at least one Rv3615c epitope polypeptide, the reagent eliciting a positive result when administered in a skin test to an animal infected with Mycobacterium bovis or Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The reagent is useful in that it can be used in a method to determine whether an animal is infected with Mycobacterium bovis or Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Abstract: A device and method for carrying out epicutaneous patch tests for two or more metal mixes is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for detecting an infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in a subject are disclosed. The methods include detecting the presence of CD8+ T cells that specifically recognize an Mtb polypeptide. The methods include in vitro assays for detecting the presence of CD8+ T cells in a biological sample, and in vivo assays that detect a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction. The methods can also include detecting Mtb polypeptides and polynucleotides. Reagents for the detection of an Mtb infection are also disclosed.

Abstract: A peptide analogue which is not more than 50 amino acids in length, and which is capable of being recognized by a T cell receptor that recognizes an epitope comprising sequence 62PQPELPY68 (SEQ ID NO:1), and fusion proteins, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits comprising the same, are provided herewith. Also provided are methods of diagnosing coeliac disease, or susceptibility to coeliac disease, in an individual comprising contacting a sample from the individual with a peptide analogue and determining in vitro whether T cells in the sample recognize the peptide analogue.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for making immune compatible tissues and cells for the purpose of transplantation and tissue engineering, using the techniques of nuclear transfer and cloning. Also encompassed are methods for determining the effect on immune compatibility of expressed transgenes and other genetic manipulations of the engineered cells and tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigen-specific immune regulatory response. Methods for detecting an antigen-specific immune regulatory response, methods for selecting candidate vaccine recipients, and methods for improved vaccination strategies are presented.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to reagents useful for generating immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and for diagnosing infection and disease in a subject that has been exposed to M. tuberculosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the provision of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a Caviidae allergen comprising a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of (a) a polynucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO 1 (Cav p 3), SEQ ID NO 5 (Cav p 2), SEQ ID NO 3 (Cav p 6) or SEQ ID NO 19 (Cavia porcellus allergen 1 a) or a fragment thereof, (b) a polynucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide as shown in SEQ ID NO 2 (Cav p 3), SEQ ID NO 6 (Cav p 2), SEQ ID NO 4 (Cav p 6) or SEQ ID NO 20 (Cavia porcellus allergen 1 a) or a fragment thereof (c) a polynucleotide sequence which has at least 80% identity to the polynucleotides as defined in (a) or (b) encoding a Caviidae allergen or a fragment thereof, (d) a polynucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide which has at least 85% identity to the polypeptide as shown in SEQ ID NO 2 (Cav p 3), SEQ ID NO 6 (Cav p 2), SEQ ID NO 4 (Cav p 6) or SEQ ID NO 20 (Cavia porcellus allergen 1a) or a fragment thereof, (e) a polynucleotide sequence which hybridizes to the poly

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a method for diagnosing urticaria or angioedema including: (a) asking a patient the following questions: are any NSAIDs or aspiring being taken; are symptoms triggered by aspirin, aspirin-containing drugs, orange juice, curry or high-aspirin content food; is tingling of the mouth or lips, swelling of the tongue, the inside of the mouth or throat, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing experienced after other medications than those known to cause urticaria or angioedema; does urticaria or angioedema come on with physical stimuli such as cold, wet, wind and pressure; (b) carrying out one or more tests which includes a RAST test to cat; (c) inputting the results of the questions and tests into a neural network that has been trained to diagnose urticaria or angioedema; and (d) producing an output indicative of urticaria or angioedema.

Abstract: Methods for detecting an infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in a subject are disclosed. The methods include detecting the presence of CD8+ T cells that specifically recognize an Mtb polypeptide. The methods include in vitro assays for detecting the presence of CD8+ T cells in a biological sample, and in vivo assays that detect a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction. The methods can also include detecting Mtb polypeptides and polynucleotides. Reagents for the detection of an Mtb infection are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new variant of the group 2 allergen from the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, named Der p 2 variant, and uses thereof. The new variant exhibits cDNA and protein sequence diversity from other known Der p 2 variants.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a method for diagnosing food allergy including: (a) asking a patient each of the following questions: are any drugs which can cause the symptoms complained of being taken or have recently been taken; are symptoms triggered by nuts other than peanut; are symptoms triggered by a specific food other than a nut; are symptoms triggered by fruit and vegetables; (b) carrying out each of the following tests: skin prick test to a plurality of nuts to determine if there is a reactivity to any one of them; RAST test to a plurality of nuts in order to determine the highest quantitative result; and (c) inputting the results of the questions and tests into a neural network that has been trained to diagnose food allergy, wherein the highest quantitative result from the RAST test to a plurality of nuts is inputted; and (d) producing an output indicative of a food allergy.

Abstract: Fasciolosis is an anthropozoonotic disease caused by the Trematoda Fasciola hepatica. This worm is a common parasite of ruminants namely sheep, goats and cattle. Adult worms are usually found in the bile ducts of the final host liver, causing significant economic losses in the animal husbandry industry. The diagnosis of Fasciola hepatica infection, in definitive hosts, is usually done by microscopic identification of parasite eggs in the stools, observation of adult worms in liver ducts, or by serology. However, no diagnostic tool as been described for utilization directly in the animals in the farm. The disclosed subject matter describes a cDNA clone codifying for a 69 amino acids polypeptide and 8 kDa molecular weight, and identified as Fh8 or “fasciolin” (Genbank number AF213970). Results show that the polypeptide FH8 act as an allergen.

Abstract: A purified Ig-E binding immunogenic polypeptide the amino acid sequence of which consists of SEQ ID NO:1 is disclosed. The purified amino acid sequence is a major allergen of the walnut Juglans regia. Also described are a diagnostic test kit and use of the purified polypeptide in tests for identifying patients having an allergy to walnuts. Mutations of the disclosed polypeptide, as well as nucleic acid sequences encoding therefor are claimed as part of the invention.

Abstract: Transimmunization methods incorporating skin immunologic challenges are described for either selectively suppressing the immune response of recipients of transplanted tissue or cells or monitoring induced anti-cancer immunity. In one embodiment, skin from the transplant donor is allografted to the transplant recipient to induce an immunological response to the transplanted skin. A quantity of blood is taken from the recipient and treated to render the T cells in the blood apoptotic and to induce differentiation of blood monocytes into dendritic cells. The treated blood is incubated and administered to the recipient to induce formation of suppressor T cell clones which reduce the number of T cells attacking the transplanted tissue or organ. This tolerogenic approach can be complemented by also feeding the immature dendritic cells apoptotic or necrotic cells from the organ donor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Mycobacterial infections and provides a method of diagnosing infections of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map), the causative agent of Johne's disease. In addition, the invention also provides as kits for use in the diagnosis of Map infections and vaccines/immunogenic compositions.

Abstract: Hybrid polypeptides comprising at least two different allergenic proteins or fragments thereof wherein each fragment consists of at least eight consecutive amino acids of the respective allergenic protein are disclosed. The hybrid polypeptides and polynucleotides coding therefor can be used as pharmaceutical compositions, in particular as vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the provision of a DNA sequence of the major grass pollen allergen Lol p 4. The invention also encompasses fragments, new combinations of partial sequences and point mutants having a hypoallergenic action. The recombinant DNA molecules and the derived polypeptides, fragments, new combinations of partial sequences and variants can be utilised for the therapy of pollen-allergic diseases. The proteins prepared by recombinant methods can be employed for in vitro and in vivo diagnosis of pollen allergies.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the detection and diagnosis of infectious diseases are provided. In particular, efficient and sensitive methods and compositions for the detection of active mycobacterial disease are provided for distinguishing between individuals having active disease, and individuals who have been immunologically exposed, such as those infected with a mycobacterium but are without active disease, or those who have been vaccinated with BCG. The methods comprise topical application of antigen compositions for transdermal delivery.

Abstract: The invention generally features methods for the prevention and detection of a tick infestation. The present invention also features methods for decreasing the ability of a tick to feed on a subject.

Abstract: A method and device for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal allergy. The method and the device expose a surface to at least one antigen at a fixed depth. The device includes an application point each having an antigen allowing for the application of the antigen to the surface at a fixed depth. The device may include multiple applications points each with an antigen for simultaneously applying the antigens to the surface.

Abstract: Methods of Mycobacterial immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer are described. In certain cases, these methods concern administration of attenuated Mycobacteria by intradermal injection into non tumor tissues. Methods of the invention, provide safe and effective treatments for malignant tumors and the compositions for use in such treatments. Methods for determine the effectiveness of such immunotherapies are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and means for performing a diagnosis of a medical condition and, in particular, an allergy associated with the upper respiratory tract, using an artificial neural network.

Abstract: A method for identifying allergenic proteins and peptides. More specifically, a method for identifying allergenic milk proteins and/or peptides including the steps of: providing at least one expression library comprising DNA or cDNA derived from the mammary gland tissue of a lactating cow, expressing at least one protein or peptide encoded by said expression library, determining the binding capacity of said at least one protein or peptide to IgE of at least one serum of an individual who is sensitive to cow's milk, contacting the at least one protein or peptide exhibiting an IgE binding capacity as determined in step c) with basophil cells, eosinophil cells or mast cells and identifying the at least one protein or peptide as being allergenic when said basophil cells, eosinophil cells or mast cells release upon contact with at least one protein or peptide of step d) at least one mediator.

Abstract: A diagnostic skin test for predicting treatment outcome, consisting essentially of an effective amount of an NCM or a T lymphocyte mitogen of muromonab-CD3. A kit for performing a skin test consisting essentially of an effective amount of an NCM or a T lymphocyte mitogen of muromonab-CD3. A method of performing a skin test on a patient, consisting essentially of the steps of administering an effective amount of an NCM or a T lymphocyte mitogen of muromonab-CD3 to skin, analyzing results of the skin test, and predicting a treatment outcome. Methods of detecting defects in monocyte or T lymphocyte function, including the steps of administering an effective amount of an NCM or T lymphocyte mitogen of muromonab-CD3 to skin, analyzing results of the skin test, and detecting at least one defect in monocyte or T lymphocyte function.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the detection and diagnosis of infectious diseases are provided. In particular, efficient and sensitive methods and compositions for the detection of active mycobacterial disease are provided for distinguishing between individuals having active disease, and individuals who have been immunologically exposed, such as those infected with a mycobacterium but are without active disease, or those who have been vaccinated with BCG. The methods comprise topical application of antigen compositions for transdermal delivery.

Abstract: Methods for detecting an infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in a subject are disclosed. The methods include detecting the presence of CD8+ T cells that specifically recognize an Mtb polypeptide. The methods include in vitro assays for detecting the presence of CD8+ T cells in a biological sample, and in vivo assays that detect a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction. The methods can also include detecting Mtb polypeptides and polynucleotides. Reagents for the detection of an Mtb infection are also disclosed.

Abstract: Transimmunization methods incorporating skin immunologic challenges are described for either selectively suppressing the immune response of recipients of transplanted tissue or cells or monitoring induced anti-cancer immunity. In one embodiment, skin from the transplant donor is allografted to the transplant recipient to induce an immunological response to the transplanted skin. A quantity of blood is taken from the recipient and treated to render the T cells in the blood apoptotic and to induce differentiation of blood monocytes into dendritic cells. The treated blood is incubated and administered to the recipient to induce formation of suppressor T cell clones which reduce the number of T cells attacking the transplanted tissue or organ. This tolerogenic approach can be complemented by also feeding the immature dendritic cells apoptotic or necrotic cells from the organ donor.

Abstract: A peptide analogue which is not more than 50 amino acids in length, and which is capable of being recognized by a T cell receptor that recognizes an epitope comprising sequence 62PQPELPY68 (SEQ ID NO:1), and fusion proteins, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits comprising the same, are provided herewith. Also provided are methods of diagnosing coeliac disease, or susceptibility to coeliac disease, in an individual comprising contacting a sample from the individual with a peptide analogue and determining in vitro whether T cells in the sample recognize the peptide analogue.

Abstract: Methods of improving skin quality are disclosed. Generally, the methods include topically administering an IRM compound to a treatment area of skin for a period of time and in an amount effective for improving the quality of the skin. Suitable IRM compound compounds include agonists of one or more TLRs.

Abstract: Provided are diagnostic and therapeutic methods of treating sarcoidosis comprising the use of microbial catalase-peroxidase protein, its peptide fragments, or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunostimulatory nucleic acid. In certain embodiments according to this aspect of the invention, the sequence of the immunostimulatory oligonucleotide and/or immunomer is at least partially self-complementary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins comprising a Group I allergen and a Group II allergen from the genus Dermatophagoides, isolated nucleic acid coding for them and their use for the manufacture of a medicament to prevent or treat a mite allergic reaction.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to methods and tests for identifying individuals at risk for systemic toxicity to a substance by administering a topical dose of the substance to the individual and observing any topical response to that substance. In particular, the present disclosure provides methods and tests for determining if an individual is at risk for fluoropyrimidine, such as 5-fluorouracil, toxicity or has a dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency by exposing the skin of the individual to a dose of a fluoropyrimidine, such as 5-fluoruracil, using a transdermal skin patch. An inflammatory response of the skin indicates the risk of the individual to such toxicity or enzyme deficiency.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for inducing protective immunity against tuberculosis are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one immunogenic portion of one or more M. tuberculosis proteins and DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides. Such compounds may be formulated into vaccines and/or pharmaceutical compositions for immunization against M. tuberculosis infection, or may be used for the diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds having increased or reduced immunostimulatory effect, said compounds comprising a CpG dinucleotide and an immunomodulatory moiety wherein the increased or reduced immunomodulatory effect is relative to a similar compound lacking the immunomodulatorv moiety.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing coeliac disease, or susceptibility to coeliac disease, in an individual comprising: (a) contacting a sample from the host with an agent selected from (i) the epitope comprising sequence which is: SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, or an equivalent sequence from a naturally occurring homologue of the gliadin represented by SEQ ID NO: 3, (ii) an epitope comprising sequence comprising: SEQ ID NO: 1, or an equivalent sequence from a naturally occurring homologue of the gliadin represented by SEQ ID NO: 3, which epitope is an isolated oligopeptide derived from a gliadin protein, (ii) an analogue of (i) or (ii) which is capable of being recognised by a T cell receptor that recognises (i) or (ii), which in the case of a peptide analogue is not more than 50 amino acids in length, or (iv) a product comprising two or more agents as defined in (i), (ii) or (iii), and (b) determining in vitro whether T cells in the sample recognises the agent; recognition by the T cells indicating that the individual has, or is su

Abstract: The invention provides methods for modulating the immune response caused by CpG dinucleotide-containing compounds. The methods according to the invention enables both decreasing the immunostimulatory effect for antisense applications, as well as increasing the immunostimulatory effect for immunotherapy applications.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for modulating the immune response caused by CpG dinucleotide-containing compounds. The methods according to the invention enables both decreasing the immunostimulatory effect for antisense applications, as well as increasing the immunostimulatory effect for immunotherapy applications.

Abstract: An improved punctum plug is more easily visualized when positioned within a punctual canal of a recipient. The body of the plug features an outwardly exposed surface when properly positioned, and a substance causing at least the outwardly exposed surface to contrast with surrounding tissue, such that the use of the substance causes the plug to be more easily visualized than if the substance were not present. The substance, which may be disposed on the outwardly exposed surface or within the body of the plug, may include a saturated coloration, or may be phosphorescent, fluorescent or otherwise operative to reflect or re-radiate light to assist in visualization. For example, the substance may include an organic or inorganic phosphor or fluorescent material, reflective beads, quantum dots, a dye or pigment. Such reflection or re-radiation may occur at the same or different wavelength(s) compared to the illumination wavelength(s), whether or not either or both are within the visible part of the spectrum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting food allergens, antibodies and antigens to prepare the antibodies. The antigens of this invention are a mixture comprising multiple native and/or heated food allergens that IgE antibodies of food-allergy patients recognize. The antibodies of this invention are prepared by immunizing animals with the above-mentioned antigens. The food allergen-detecting method of this invention relates to the above-mentioned antibodies. As the method can detect food allergens and food allergy-inducing foods, it can provide safety to food allergy patients.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for monitoring local reactions, such as inflammatory responses, associated with injection sites. The method is performed using a temporary tattoo, which is transferred from a substrate to the skin of a subject, to measure the local reaction to an injection. A kit is also disclosed that can be used to perform the disclosed method. One example of the method includes transferring from the substrate to the subject's skin a temporary tattoo having a plurality of concentric rings and using the rings to measure the local reaction. For example, if the local reaction exceeds the boundary of the largest ring, the local reaction is considered clinically significant and additional medical interventions may be sought.