Patents by Inventor A. Wesley Burks
A. Wesley Burks has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20150173406Abstract: This invention relates generally to the discovery of improved food-grade protein matrices with reduced allergeiiicity and uses thereof including immunotherapy.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2013Publication date: June 25, 2015Applicants: North Carolina State University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of AgricultureInventors: Mary Ann Lila, Mary H. Grace, Jack P. Davis, Wesley Burks, Michael D. Kulis
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Patent number: 8815251Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating or preventing allergic responses, particularly anaphylactic allergic responses, in subjects who are allergic to allergens or susceptible to allergies. Methods of the present invention utilize administration of microorganisms to subjects, where the microorganisms produce allergens and protect the subjects from exposure to the allergens until phagocytosed by antigen-presenting cells. Particularly preferred microorganisms are gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, and yeast. Particularly preferred allergens are proteins found in foods, venoms, drugs and latex that elicit allergic reactions and anaphylactic allergic reactions in individuals who are allergic to the proteins or are susceptible to allergies to the proteins. The proteins may also be modified to reduce the ability of the proteins to bind and crosslink IgE antibodies and thereby reduce the risk of eliciting anaphylaxis without affecting T-cell mediated Th1-type immunity.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Allertein Therapeutics, LLCInventors: Michael J. Caplan, Howard B. Sosin, H. Kim Bottomly, A. Wesley Burks, Jr., Hugh A. Sampson
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Publication number: 20130243814Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating or preventing allergic responses, particularly anaphylactic allergic responses, in subjects who are allergic to allergens or susceptible to allergies. Methods of the present invention utilize administration of microorganisms to subjects, where the microorganisms produce allergens and protect the subjects from exposure to the allergens until phagocytosed by antigen-presenting cells. Particularly preferred microorganisms are gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, and yeast. Particularly preferred allergens are proteins found in foods, venoms, drugs and latex that elicit allergic reactions and anaphylactic allergic reactions in individuals who are allergic to the proteins or are susceptible to allergies to the proteins. The proteins may also be modified to reduce the ability of the proteins to bind and crosslink IgE antibodies and thereby reduce the risk of eliciting anaphylaxis without affecting T-cell mediated Th1-type immunity.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: ALLERTEIN THERAPEUTICS, LLCInventors: Michael J. Caplan, Howard B. Sosin, H. Kim Bottomly, A. Wesley Burks, JR., Hugh A. Sampson
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Publication number: 20130142817Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating or preventing allergic responses, particularly anaphylactic allergic responses, in subjects who are allergic to allergens or susceptible to allergies. Methods of the present invention utilize administration of microorganisms to subjects, where the microorganisms produce allergens and protect the subjects from exposure to the allergens until phagocytosed by antigen-presenting cells. Particularly preferred microorganisms are gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, and yeast. Particularly preferred allergens are proteins found in foods, venoms, drugs and latex that elicit allergic reactions and anaphylactic allergic reactions in individuals who are allergic to the proteins or are susceptible to allergies to the proteins. The proteins may also be modified to reduce the ability of the proteins to bind and crosslink IgE antibodies and thereby reduce the risk of eliciting anaphylaxis without affecting T-cell mediated Th1-type immunity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: ALLERTEIN THERAPEUTICS, LLCInventors: Michael J. Caplan, Hugh A. Sampson, A. Wesley Burks, H. Kim Bottomly, Howard B. Sosin
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Publication number: 20120283421Abstract: It has been determined that allergens, which are characterized by both humoral (IgE) and cellular (T-cell) binding sites, can be modified to be less allergenic by modifying the IgE binding sites. The IgE binding sites can be converted to non-IgE binding sites by altering as little as a single amino acid within the protein, preferably a hydrophobic residue towards the center of the IgE epitope, to eliminate IgE binding. Additionally or alternatively a modified allergen with reduced IgE binding may be prepared by disrupting one or more of the disulfide bonds that are present in the natural allergen. The disulfide bonds may be disrupted chemically, e.g., by reduction and alkylation or by mutating one or more cysteine residues present in the primary amino acid sequence of the natural allergen. In certain embodiments, modified allergens are prepared by both altering one or more linear IgE epitopes and disrupting one or more disulfide bonds of the natural allergen.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2011Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: Michael J. Caplan, Howard B. Sosin, Hugh A. Sampson, Gary A. Bannon, A. Wesley Burks, JR., Gael Cockrell, Cesar M. Compadre, Cathie Connaughton, Ricki M. Helm, Nina E. King, Randall A. Kopper, Soheila J. Maleki, Patrick A. Rabjohn, David S. Shin, J. Steven Stanley
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Patent number: 8246945Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating or preventing allergic reactions, particularly anaphylactic reactions. Methods of the present invention involve administering microorganisms to allergic subjects, where the microorganisms contain a recombinant version of the protein allergen. The recombinant version can be wild-type or may include mutations within IgE epitopes of the protein allergen. Preferably the compositions are administered rectally. Particularly preferred microorganisms are bacteria such as E. coli. Any allergen may be used in the inventive methods. Particularly preferred allergens are anaphylactic allergens including protein allergens found in foods, venoms, drugs and latex. The inventive compositions and methods are demonstrated in the treatment of peanut-induced anaphylaxis.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignees: University of Arkansas, Mount Sinai School of Medicine of New York University, Allertein Therapeutics, LLCInventors: Michael J. Caplan, H. Kim Bottomly, Howard B. Sosin, A. Wesley Burks, Hugh A. Sampson
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Patent number: 8153414Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating or preventing allergic responses, particularly anaphylactic allergic responses, in subjects who are allergic to allergens or susceptible to allergies. Methods of the present invention utilize administration of microorganisms to subjects, where the microorganisms produce allergens and protect the subjects from exposure to the allergens until phagocytosed by antigen-presenting cells. Particularly preferred microorganisms are gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, and yeast. Particularly preferred allergens are proteins found in foods, venoms, drugs and latex that elicit allergic reactions and anaphylactic allergic reactions in individuals who are allergic to the proteins or are susceptible to allergies to the proteins. The proteins may also be modified to reduce the ability of the proteins to bind and crosslink IgE antibodies and thereby reduce the risk of eliciting anaphylaxis without affecting T-cell mediated Th1-type immunity.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2000Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Allertein Therapeutics, LLCInventors: Michael J. Caplan, Hugh A. Sampson, A. Wesley Burks, H. Kim Bottomly, Howard B. Sosin
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Publication number: 20110027298Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating or preventing allergic responses, particularly anaphylactic allergic responses, in subjects who are allergic to allergens or susceptible to allergies. Methods of the present invention utilize administration of microorganisms to subjects, where the microorganisms produce allergens and protect the subjects from exposure to the allergens until phagocytosed by antigen-presenting cells. Particularly preferred microorganisms are gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, and yeast. Particularly preferred allergens are proteins found in foods, venoms, drugs and latex that elicit allergic reactions and anaphylactic allergic reactions in individuals who are allergic to the proteins or are susceptible to allergies to the proteins. The proteins may also be modified to reduce the ability of the proteins to bind and crosslink IgE antibodies and thereby reduce the risk of eliciting anaphylaxis without affecting T-cell mediated Th1-type immunity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: ALLERTEIN THERAPEUTICS, LLCInventors: Michael J. Caplan, Hugh A. Sampson, A. Wesley Burks, H. Kim Bottomly, Howard B. Sosin
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Patent number: 7879977Abstract: It has been determined that allergens, which are characterized by both humoral (IgE) and cellular (T cell) binding sites, can be modified to be less allergenic by modifying the IgE binding sites. The IgE binding sites can be converted to non-IgE binding sites by masking the site with a compound that prevents IgE binding or by altering as little as a single amino acid within the protein, most typically a hydrophobic residue towards the center of the IgE-binding epitope, to eliminate IgE binding. The method allows the protein to be altered as minimally as possible, other than-within the IgE-binding sites, while retaining the ability of the protein to activate T cells, and, in some embodiments by not significantly altering or decreasing IgG binding capacity The examples use peanut allergens to demonstrate alteration of IgE binding sites. The critical amino acids within each of the IgE binding epitopes of the peanut protein that are important to immunoglobulin binding have been determined.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignees: University of Arkansas, Mount Sinai School of Medicine of New York UniversityInventors: A. Wesley Burks, Jr., Gary A. Bannon, Hugh A. Sampson, Ricki M. Helm, Gael Cockrell, J. Steven Stanley, Nina E. King
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Publication number: 20100166802Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating or preventing allergic reactions, particularly anaphylactic reactions. Methods of the present invention involve administering microorganisms to allergic subjects, where the microorganisms contain a recombinant version of the protein allergen. The recombinant version can be wild-type or may include mutations within IgE epitopes of the protein allergen. Preferably the compositions are administered rectally. Particularly preferred microorganisms are bacteria such as E. coli. Any allergen may be used in the inventive methods. Particularly preferred allergens are anaphylactic allergens including protein allergens found in foods, venoms, drugs and latex. The inventive compositions and methods are demonstrated in the treatment of peanut-induced anaphylaxis.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventors: Michael J. Caplan, H. Kim Bottomly, Howard B. Sosin, A. Wesley Burks, Hugh A. Sampson
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Patent number: 7485708Abstract: It has been determined that allergens, which are characterized by both humoral (IgE) and cellular (T cell) binding sites, can be modified to be less allergenic by modifying the IgE binding sites. The IgE binding sites can be converted to non-IgE binding sites by masking the site with a compound that prevents IgE binding or by altering as little as a single amino acid within the protein, most typically a hydrophobic residue towards the center of the IgE binding epitope, to eliminate IgE binding. The method allows the protein to be altered as minimally as possible, other than within the IgE-binding sites, while retaining the ability of the protein to activate T cells, and, in some embodiments by not significantly altering or decreasing IgG binding capacity. The examples use peanut allergens to demonstrate alteration of IgE binding sites. The critical amino acids within each of the IgE binding epitopes of the peanut protein that are important to immunoglobulin binding have been determined.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: University of ArkansasInventors: A. Wesley Burks, Jr., Gary A. Bannon, Hugh A. Sampson, Ricki M. Helm, J. Steven Stanley, Patrick A. Rabjohn
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Patent number: 6835824Abstract: One of the major peanut allergens, Ara h I, was selected from cDNA expression library clones using Ara h I specific oligo-nucleotides and polymerase chain reaction technology. The Ara h I clone identified a 2.3 kb mRNA species on a Northern blot containing peanut poly A+RNA. DNA sequence analysis of the cloned inserts revealed that the Ara h I allergen has significant homology with the vicilin seed storage protein family found in most higher plants. The isolation of the Ara h I clones allowed the synthesis of this protein in E. coli cells and subsequent recognition of this. recombinant protein in immunoblot analysis using serum IgE from patients with peanut hypersensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: University of ArkansasInventors: A. Wesley Burks, Jr., J. Steven Stanley, Gary A. Bannon, Gael Cockrell, Ricki M. Helm
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Publication number: 20030202980Abstract: It has been determined that allergens, which are characterized by both humoral (IgE) and cellular (T-cell) binding sites, can be modified to be less allergenic by modifying the IgE binding sites. The IgE binding sites can be converted to non-IgE binding sites by altering as little as a single amino acid within the protein, preferably a hydrophobic residue towards the center of the IgE epitope, to eliminate IgE binding. Additionally or alternatively a modified allergen with reduced IgE binding may be prepared by disrupting one or more of the disulfide bonds that are present in the natural allergen. The disulfide bonds may be disrupted chemically, e.g., by reduction and alkylation or by mutating one or more cysteine residues present in the primary amino acid sequence of the natural allergen. In certain embodiments, modified allergens are prepared by both altering one or more linear IgE eitopes and disrupting one or more disulfide bonds of the natural allergen.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2002Publication date: October 30, 2003Inventors: Michael J. Caplan, Howard B. Sosin, Hugh Sampson, Gary A. Bannon, A. Wesley Burks, Gael Cockrell, Cesar M. Compadre, Cathie Connaughton, Ricki M. Helm, Nina E. King, Randall A. Kopper, Soheila J. Maleki, Patrick A. Rabjohn, David S. Shin, J. Steven Stanley
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Publication number: 20030084465Abstract: The present invention provides an animal model for studying allergic reactions to allergens. The animal is sensitized to a selected antigen by administering the antigen itself or a nucleic acid encoding the antigen. Preferred antigens are anaphylactic antigens. The sensitized animal can then be used to screen for compounds which may help to prevent, ameliorate, or cure allergic conditions in humans. A method of sensitizing an animal as well as a method and system for screening chemical compounds is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: Hugh A. Sampson, Gary A. Bannon, A. Wesley Burks
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Publication number: 20030049237Abstract: It has been determined that allergens, which are characterized by both humoral (IgE) and cellular (T cell) binding sites, can be modified to be less allergenic by modifying the IgE binding sites. The IgE binding sites can be converted to non-IgE binding sites by masking the site with a compound that prevents IgE binding or by altering as little as a single amino acid within the protein, most typically a hydrophobic residue towards the center of the IgE binding epitope, to eliminate IgE binding. The method allows the protein to be altered as minimally as possible, other than within the IgE-binding sites, while retaining the ability of the protein to activate T cells, and, in some embodiments by not significantly altering or decreasing IgG binding capacity. The examples use peanut allergens to demonstrate alteration of IgE binding sites. The critical amino acids within each of the IgE binding epitopes of the peanut protein that are important to immunoglobulin binding have been determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2002Publication date: March 13, 2003Inventors: Gary A. Bannon, A. Wesley Burks, Hugh A. Sampson, Howard B. Sosin
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Patent number: 6486311Abstract: Peanuts are a common cause of food hypersensitivity reactions. The sera of 10 patients who had atopic dermatitis and a positive double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge to peanut were used to investigate the major allergens of peanut. Crude Florunner extracts were fractionated by anion-exchange chromatography using a step gradient (limit buffer, 0.05M BisTris/1.5M NaCl). A protein peak (OD 280) which eluted at 10% NaCl and demonstrated intense IgE-binding was further analyzed by two-dimensional SDS-PAGE/immunoblot analysis. The majority of this fraction is a protein which has a molecular weight of 17 kD and a pI of 5.2. Sequencing data from the N-terminus revealed the following initial 9 amino acids: (*)-Q-Q-(*)-E-L-Q-D-L. Based on IgE-binding activity and no known amino acid sequence identity to other allergens, this allergen is designated Ara h II. Ara h II may be used to detect and quantify peanut allergens in foodstuffs.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1998Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignees: Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, University of ArkansasInventors: A. Wesley Burks, Jr., J. Steven Stanley, Gael Cockrell, Nina E. King, Hugh A. Sampson, Ricki M. Helm, Gary A. Bannon
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Patent number: 6441142Abstract: Peanuts are a common cause of food hypersensitivity reactions. The sera of 10 patients who had atopic dermatitis and a positive double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge to peanut were used to investigate the major allergens of peanut. Crude Florunner extracts were fractionated by anion-exchange chromatography using a step gradient (limit buffer, 0.05M BisTris/1.5M NaCl). One hundred microliters of each 2.0 ml fraction was dot-blotted onto nitrocellulose paper and IgE-binding activity assessed using the serum pool to select allergen-containing fractions. A protein peak (OD 280) which eluted at 10% NaCl and demonstrated intense IgE-binding was further analyzed by two-dimensional SDS-PAGE/immunoblot analysis. The majority of this fraction is a protein which has a molecular weight of 17 kD and a pI of 5.2. Sequencing data from the N-terminus revealed the following initial 9 amino acids: (*)-Q-Q-(*)-E-L-Q-D-L.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1999Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: University of ArkansasInventors: A. Wesley Burks, Jr., Ricki M. Helm
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Publication number: 20010031262Abstract: Formulations and methods have been developed for delivering antigens to individuals in a manner that substantially reduces contact between the antigen and IgE receptors displayed on the surfaces of cells involved in mediating allergic responses, which target delivery of antigen to dendritic and other phagocytic APCs, and which have improved pharmacokinetics. By reducing direct and indirect association of antigens with antigen-specific IgE antibodies, the risk of an allergic reaction, possibly anaphylatic shock, is reduced or eliminated. Particularly preferred antigens are those that may elicit anaphylaxis in individuals, including food antigens, insect venom and rubber-related antigens. In the preferred embodiments, the compositions include one or more antigens in a delivery material such as a polymer, in the form of particles or a gel, or lipid vesicles or liposomes, any of which can be stabilized or targeted to enhance delivery. Preferably, the antigen is surrounded by the encapsulation material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2000Publication date: October 18, 2001Inventors: Michael Caplan, Gary A. Bannon, A. Wesley Burks, Hugh A. Sampson
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Patent number: 5973121Abstract: Peanuts are a common cause of food hypersensitivity reactions. The sera of 10 patients who had atopic dermatitis and a positive double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge to peanut were used to investigate the major allergens of peanut. Crude Florunner extracts were fractionated by anion-exchange chromatography using a step gradient (limit buffer, 0.05M BisTris/1.5M NaCl). One hundred microliters of each 2.0 ml fraction was dot-blotted onto nitrocellulose paper and IgE-binding activity assessed using the serum pool to select allergen-containing fractions. A protein peak (OD 280) which eluted at 10% NaCl and demonstrated intense IgE-binding was further analyzed by two-dimensional SDS-PAGE/immunoblot analysis. The majority of this fraction is a protein which has a molecular weight of 17 kD and a pI of 5.2. Sequencing data from the N-terminus revealed the following initial 9 amino acids: (*)-Q-Q-(*)-E-L-Q-D-L.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1996Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: University of ArkansasInventors: A. Wesley Burks, Jr., Ricki M. Helm
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Patent number: 5558869Abstract: Peanut allergen Ara h II was identified using the sera of patients who had atopic dermatitis and a positive food challenge to peanut. The Ara h II allergen, having a molecular weight of 17 kD and a pI of 5.2, was isolated by anion exchange chromatography. Ara h II may be used to detect and quantify peanut allergens in foodstuffs.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1993Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Assignee: University of ArkansasInventors: A. Wesley Burks, Jr., Ricki M. Helm