Abstract: The present invention a method for producing a human immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody using a prime-boost regime in a Bone Marrow Liver Thymic (BLT) mouse.

Abstract: Methods of treatment to suppress an immune response are provided. The method comprises administering to a subject in need of treatment a naked blocking antibody that binds selectively iNKT cells in an amount effective to suppress the subject's iNKT cell function. Compositions comprising, an isolated, humanized antibody that binds selectively iNKT cells are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses processes for producing native, depigmented and polymerized allergen extracts. The invention further discloses extracts produced via the processes, and pharmaceutical and vaccine compositions comprising the extracts, for diagnosis and treatment of allergy.

Abstract: The instant invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery that CXCR6 plays a critical role in antigen-specific effector function of NK cells. Accordingly, the invention provides, among other things, methods for modulation of antigen-specific NK cell effector function, methods for identifying modulators of antigen-specific NK cell effector function.

Abstract: Provided are methods for suppressing IgE and IgG-mediated allergic reactions through monoclonal antibody applications. More specifically, methods are herein provided for safe induction of rapid desensitization. Specific embodiments are herein provided for suppressing allergic reactions in a subject, including specific methods of providing a monoclonal antibody selected from the group consisting of anti-Fc?RIa and anti-Fc?RIIb / RIII; administering the antibody to a subject at a dose that is lower than the level required to induce shock; and administering sequentially escalating doses of the monoclonal antibody so as to induce rapid desensitization to an allergen, thereby suppressing allergic reaction in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for producing a recombinant Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus 2 protein (rDer p 2), comprising the steps of cultivating a Pichia pastoris yeast strain previously transformed with a rDer p 2 coding sequence, and isolating the rDer p 2 protein from said Pichia pastoris yeast strain. The invention also relates to compositions and kits comprising the rDer p 2 protein for therapeutic or diagnostic use.

Abstract: The present invention provides mutant polypeptides useful as hypoallergens. More specifically the present invention provides mutant Bet v 1 proteins and the use of such polypeptides as hypoallergens for desensitizing against birch pollen allergies. Furthermore, the invention provides vaccine formulations comprising such polypeptides; the use of such formulations; and to methods of vaccination against birch pollen allergy.

Abstract: The present invention provides for recombinant Endo-D and selected mutants that exhibit reduced hydrolysis activity and increased transglycosylation activity for the synthesis of glycoproteins wherein a desired sugar chain is added to a core fucosylated or nonfucosylated GlcNAc-protein acceptor by transglycosylation. Such recombinant Endo-D and selected mutants are useful for efficient glycosylation remodeling of IgG1-Fc domain.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for detection of allergic inflammation in a subject that comprises assaying a test sample of peripheral blood from the subject for a marker of DNA damage. An elevated amount of marker present in the test sample compared to control sample is indicative of inflammation. The method can be adapted for quantitatively monitoring the efficacy of treatment of allergic inflammation in a subject. Markers of DNA damage include single- and/or double-stranded breaks in leukocytes, oxidative DNA damage in leukocytes, or a marker of nitric oxide oxidative activity (protein nitrosylation in leukocytes). This unexpected discovery of markers of systemic genotoxicity present in circulating leukocytes enables detection of allergic inflammation with a relatively simple and minimally invasive assay using peripheral blood.

Abstract: The present invention provides antigen-binding proteins capable of binding to KIR3D polypeptides. The antibodies have increased activity in the treatment of disorders characterized by KIR3DL2-expressing cells, particularly CD4+ T cells, including malignancies such as Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome.

Abstract: Disclosed are hypoallergenic variants of Phl p 5, the major allergen from Phleum pratense, and the uses thereof in the treatment of allergic diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to in vivo methods and compositions designed for allergen specific immunotherapy. The compositions include contiguous overlapping peptide fragments which together form an entire amino acid sequence of an allergen.

Abstract: The invention relates to grass pollen extracts containing reduced amount of flavonoid glycosides in order to minimize the risks of genotoxicity of the grass pollen extracts. The invention also relates to a method of preparing grass pollen extracts containing reduced amount of flavonoid glycosides by ultrafiltration. Flavonoid glycosides are naturally present in grass pollen extracts and they have been identified as being responsible for the formation of flavonoid aglycones, which are genotoxic in vitro, under the influence of enzymes contained in the grass pollen extracts.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to novel recombinant polypeptides of Bahia grass pollen and to genetic sequences encoding same. More particularly, the present invention is directed to Pas n 1 polypeptides and derivatives, and fragments thereof and genetic sequences encoding same. The molecules of the present invention are useful in a range of therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic applications including, but not limited to, applications in the context of conditions characterized by an aberrant, inappropriate or otherwise unwanted immune response to the Bahia grass pollen.

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 utilized 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: The present invention includes compositions, methods of making and using the compositions for modulating the immune response in a subject by providing a vaccine composition having a pollen/spore disposed in a pharmaceutical carrier for delivery to a subject, wherein the pollen/spore comprises multiple pores that connect an outer surface of the pollen/spore to an inner cavity and one or more antigens disposed on the outer surface, in the inner cavity, in the multiple pores, or a combination thereof, wherein the one or more antigens modulate an immune responses in the subject.

Abstract: Methods for producing an allergen composition, methods for in vitro diagnosis of type I allergy, and diagnostic kits for performing diagnosis employ Bos d 23k allergen of SEQ ID NO: 4, or the mature protein thereof, or a variant or fragment of the Bos d 23k allergen or the mature protein sharing epitopes for antibodies with the Bos d 23k allergen or the mature protein. Methods for treatment of a Type I allergy to a mammal and pharmaceutical compositions employ a Bos d 23k allergen of SEQ ID NO: 4, or the mature protein thereof, or a variant or fragment of the Bos d 23k allergen or the mature protein sharing epitopes for antibodies with the Bos d 23k allergen or the mature protein, wherein the Bos d 23k allergen, the mature protein, the variant or the fragment is modified to abrogate or attenuate its IgE binding response.

Abstract: The present invention provides DNA vaccines for the treatment of allergies. The vaccines comprise the coding sequence for one or more allergenic epitopes, and preferably the full protein sequence, of the allergenic protein from which the epitope(s) is derived, fused inframe with the lumenal domain of the lysosomal associated membrane protein (LAMP) and the targeting sequence of LAMP. The vaccines allow for presentation of properly configured three dimensional epitopes for production of an immune response. The vaccines can be multivalent molecules, and/or can be provided as part of a multivalent vaccine containing two or more DNA constructs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising peptides for preventing or treating allergy to house dust mites, and in particular to optimal combinations of peptides for preventing or treating said allergy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions useful in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune diseases. In particular, the present invention provides improved methods and compositions for the diagnosis and management of Graves' disease. The methods of the present invention not only avoids the need for radioactivity and are much simpler, economical, and rapid than methods traditionally used for the diagnosis of Graves' disease, but also improve upon the sensitivity and detection abilities of previous luciferase-based autoantibody detection assays.