Abstract: This invention is based on the discovery that an essentially nonallergenic covalent conjugate of a model allergen, ovalbumin (OA), and monomethoxypolyethylenc glycol (mPEG) is capable of inactivating in vivo and ex vivo granulocytes sensitized with anti-OA IgE antibodies (Abs). As a result of the inactivation of the granulocytes, subsequent challenge with OA was not followed by degranulation and the consequent release of the mediators of anaphylaxis (vasoactive compounds) from the granules of these cells. These results, therefore, provide a basis for the treatment of symptoms of an already established immune response against an allergen or allergens.

Abstract: A method for specifically suppressing the capacity of a mammal receiving gene therapy to mount an immune response to a given expressed gene of the deficient gene in question, which response is caused by the administration of "foreign" DNA encoding an antigenic protein or vectors comprising such DNA for expression of the deficient gene in the patient receiving gene therapy.

Abstract: A method for suppressing the capacity of a mammal to mount an immune response which would be caused by the administration of one or more biologically active foreign proteins, comprising the administration of an immunosuppressively effective amount of a tolerogen corresponding to the foreign protein or proteins conjugated to mono methoxy (polyethylene glycol), administration being performed prior to the administration of the protein or proteins.

Abstract: A method for suppressing the capacity of a mammal to mount an immune response which would be caused by the administration of one or more biologically active foreign proteins, comprising the administration of an immunosuppressively effective amount of a tolerogen corresponding to said foreign protein or proteins, said administration being performed prior to the administration of said protein or proteins.

Abstract: This invention relates to tolerogenic conjugates, suitable for use in suppressing the formation of reaginic antibodies in a host, of haptenic determinants, in particular the benzylpenicilloyl (BPO) group and 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP) group, with water-soluble, nonimmunogenic polymers, i.e. polyvinyl alcohols (PVA). The invention also comprises a method for the preparation of the conjugate and a method of suppressing the formation of these antibodies in a mammal sensitive to penicillin.

Abstract: This invention relates to tolerogenic conjugates, suitable for use in suppressing the formation of reaginic antibodies in a host, of haptenic determinants, in particular the benzylpenicilloyl (BPO) group and 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP) group, with water-soluble, nonimmunogenic polymers, i.e. polyvinyl alcohols (PVA). The invention also comprises a method for the preparation of the conjugate and a method of suppressing the formation of these antibodies in a mammal sensitive to penicillin.

Abstract: This invention pertains to allergen-containing substances, methods of preparing the same and using the same as immunologically specific suppressants of the production of reaginic antibodies directed to the allergen in question. The allergen-containing substances can be characterized as covalent conjugates of the allergen molecules with non-immunogenic water-soluble polymers. The degree of conjugation is such that the conjugates are rendered tolerogenic as well as substantially non-allergenic and non-immunogenic. The new conjugates are useful for immunologically specific suppression of common allergies in mammals, including humans, which are mediated by reaginic antibodies of the IgE class.