Abstract: The present invention relates to the typing of HLA alleles. The sequence of exon 2 and exon 3 of the alleles HLA-B*3913, HLA-B*1406 and HLA-B*51new and of exon 2 of the alleles HLA-DRB1*0820, HLA-DRB1*04new and HLA-DRB4*01new are disclosed. The present invention also relates to methods of typing of such alleles. According to a particular embodiment, typing of alleles is achieved by: i) amplifying a relevant fragment of the alleles with at least one suitable set of primers; ii) hybridizing the amplification product of step i) to at least one probe that specifically hybridizes to a target region comprising one or more polymorphic nucleotides in said relevant fragment; and iii) determining from the result of step ii) the absence or presence of the alleles in the sample. The present invention further provides primers and probes to be used in such methods of typing alleles. Diagnostic kits comprising such primers and probes are also included within the invention.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions and methods of using the same to simultaneously treat eye surface inflammation and dry eye are disclosed. The ophthalmic preparation contains a tetracycline compound in aqueous solution. The preparation preferably further includes a balance of electrolytes sufficient to maintain or restore essentially normal levels of conjunctival mucus-containing goblet cells and corneal glycogen. These electrolytes can include potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphate.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acids encoding allergens of the species Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, Der p VII and Der f VII, respectively, are disclosed. A cDNA encoding a peptide having a Der p VII activity and a predicted molecular weight of about 22, 177 daltons is described. A cDNA encoding a peptide having Der f VII activity is also described. The nucleic acids of the invention can be used as probes to detect the presence of Der p VII or Der f VII nucleic acid in a sample or for the recombinant production of peptides having a Der p VII or Der f VII activity. Peptides having a Der p VII or Der f VII activity can be used in compositions suitable for pharmaceutical administration or methods of diagnosing sensitivity to house dust mite allergens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid sequences coding for the ryegrass pollen allergens Lol pIa and Lol pIb, purified Lol pIa and Lol pIb protein and fragments thereof, methods of producing recombinant Lol pIa and Lol pIb or at least one fragment thereof or derivative or homologue thereof, and methods of using the nucleic acid sequences, proteins and peptides of the invention.

Abstract: Compositions comprising cyanidin reagents for binding to Fc.gamma.RI receptors, and methods and kits for use therefor are provided.