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: The invention provides a method of generating a set of polypeptide antigens derived from a protein (or portion thereof) which is expressed with some degree of sequence heterogeneity among naturally or artificially induced variants of the protein. The purpose is to provide a mix of antigens which can be used to immunize against the variants and, preferably, possible unknown or new variants that may arise.

Abstract: Isolated DNA encoding allergens of Dermatophagoides (house dust mites) particularly of the species Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, which are protein allergens or peptides which include at least one epitope of the protein allergen. In particular, DNA encoding two major D. farinae allergens, Der f I and Der f II and DNA encoding a D. pteronyssinus allergen, Der p I. In addition, the proteins or peptides encoded by the isolated DNA, their use as diagnostic and therapeutic reagents and methods of diagnosing and treating sensitivity to house dust mite allergens.

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: Bispecific molecules which react both with an Fc&ggr; receptor for immunoglobulin G (IgG) of human effector cells and with either human low density lipoprotein (LDL), or fragment thereof, or human high density lipoprotein (HDL), or a fragment thereof, are disclosed. The bispecific molecules bind to an Fc&ggr; receptor without being blocked by the binding of IgG to the same receptor. The bispecific molecules having a binding specificity for human LDL are useful for targeting human effector cells for degradation of LDL in vivo. The bispecific molecules of the present invention which have a binding specificity for human HDL are useful for targeting human HDL to human effector cells such that the HDL takes up cholesterol from the effector cells. Also disclosed are methods of treating atherosclerosis using these bispecific molecules.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acids encoding an allergen of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Der p III, are disclosed. A cDNA encoding a peptide having a Der p III activity and a predicted molecular weight of about 24,985 daltons is also described. The nucleic acids can be used as probes to detect the presence of Der p III nucleic acid in a sample or for the recombinant production of peptides having an activity of Der p III. Peptides having an activity of Der p III can be used in compositions suitable for pharmaceutical administration or methods of diagnosing sensitivity to house dust mites.

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