Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to compositions and methods for attenuating allergic responses in a subject.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to methods and compositions for modulating an immune response. In certain aspects the immune response is a type I hypersensitivity response. In particular aspects the subject has allergic asthma or allergic rhinitis. Using a conventional experimental asthma mouse model (BALB/c), the inventors demonstrate that aerosol administration of TLR agonists, in particular a combination of TLR2/6 and TLR9 agonist (e.g., TLR9 oligonucleotide agonist/PAM2CSK4) along with an antigen (e.g., ovalbumin (OVA)) suppresses the immune response as exemplified by the production of antigen-specific IgE and decreases the number of airway eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) in response to intraperitoneal (IP) immunization with an antigen mixed with alum.

Abstract: A therapeutic method for catalytically forming persulfide and/or polysulfide from hydrogen sulfide in vitro and in vivo using endogenously or exogenously released hydrogen sulfide is disclosed. That method comprises contacting cells in need including those under oxidative stress, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and hypoxia, or have an excess of hydrogen sulfide or deficiency of protein persulfidation with oxidized carbon nanoparticulate material in which the particles contain a plurality of carbonyl, hydroxyl and carboxyl substituents. Oxidized carbon nanoparticulate (OCN) material can be prepared from any of a variety of sources of which activated charcoal is preferred. A water-dispersible OCN material is described that does not need added hydrophilic polymers to provide dispersibility for at least 7 days at a concentration of about 1-5 mg/mL. These OCN materials also have a UV absorbance maximum in water of about 220 nm and pass through a 0.22 µm pore PES membrane.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to methods and compositions for modulating an immune response. In certain aspects the immune response is a type I hypersensitivity response. In particular aspects the subject has allergic asthma or allergic rhinitis. Using a conventional experimental asthma mouse model (BALB/c), the inventors demonstrate that aerosol administration of TLR agonists, in particular a combination of TLR2/6 and TLR9 agonist (e.g., TLR9 oligonucleotide agonist/PAM2CSK4) along with an antigen (e.g., ovalbumin (OVA)) suppresses the immune response as exemplified by the production of antigen-specific IgE and decreases the number of airway eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) in response to intraperitoneal (IP) immunization with an antigen mixed with alum.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies which specifically bind to human interleukin-5 (IL-5) are described for treatment of IL-5-mediated inflammatory conditions. Fragments or chimeric binding molecules derived from these monoclonal antibodies are also described for use.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies which specifically bind to human interleukin-5 (IL-5) are described. The antibodies can be used in assays for IL-5, to purify IL-5, or to characterize IL-5.