Abstract: A compound of formula: in which (i) aa1 is Adi and aa4 is Glu or (ii) each of aa1 and aa4 is Adi, L is sulfur, sulfoxide, oxygen or methylene, which compound (and its conjugates) bind to an SH2 domain in a protein comprising an SH2 domain, is non-phosphorylated, is redox-stable in vivo, is characterized by an IC50 in vivo of less than about 4.0 ?M with respect to the SH2 domain in Grb2, and, upon binding to the SH2 domain of Grb2, has a turn conformation. A conjugate comprising a compound as described above and a carrier agent, a composition comprising (i) a compound or a conjugate as described above and (ii) a carrier, a method of inhibiting binding of an SH2 domain in a protein comprising an SH2 domain to a target protein in an animal, wherein the SH2 domain is contacted with a target protein-binding inhibiting effective amount of a compound or a conjugate as described above, and a method of synthesizing such conjugates.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed herein for specifically inducing proliferation of CD4+ T cells. The methods are of use in treating immunodeficiencies, such as an immunodeficiency produced by infection with an immunodeficiency virus, such as infection with a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The methods include contacting isolated mammalian CD4+ T cells with an effective amount of a thymic stromal derived lymphopoietin (TSLP) polypeptide or a therapeutically effective amount of nucleic acid encoding the TSLP polypeptide, thereby inducing proliferation of the T cells. Methods are also disclosed for treating an IgE mediated disorder, such as asthma. The methods include administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a TSLP antagonist. Transgenic mice are also disclosed herein.