Abstract: Autoimmune diseases are the consequence of complex interactions between a mosaic of host genetic factors and etiologic elements. Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease prevalent in 1% of the general population, but is unique on two accounts; a) the majority (90%) of individuals with CD have the HLA class II DQ2 allele, the others HLA-DQ8 and b) the etiologic agent is gluten proteins from wheat and related prolamins in barley and rye. The disease process is generally considered to be mediated by T cells that recognize HLA-DQ2 specific peptide sequences in gluten. There is currently no therapeutic treatment for CD. To this end, the inventors have identified a novel therapeutic target for CD and innate immune pathways in other inflammatory conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for use in immunotherapy. These methods and compositions are particularly useful for exploiting dendritic cells to present an antigen to a patient, particularly where the patient has a disease associated with the antigen. The invention provides methods for treating a patient having a disease associated with an antigen. The methods according to the invention comprise combining ex vivo an antigen and an antigen-presenting cell binding agent specific for the antigen, and administering the composition to a patient suffering from a disease associated with the antigen, wherein the patient receives a therapeutic benefit.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for use in immunotherapy. These methods and compositions are particularly useful for exploiting dendritic cells to present an antigen to a patient, particularly where the patient has a disease associated with the antigen. The invention provides methods for treating a patient having a disease associated with an antigen. The methods according to the invention comprise combining ex vivo an antigen and an antigen-presenting cell binding agent specific for the antigen, and administering the composition to a patient suffering from a disease associated with the antigen, wherein the patient receives a therapeutic benefit.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for use in immunotherapy. These methods and compositions are particularly useful for exploiting dendritic cells to present an antigen to a patient, particularly where the patient has a disease associated with the antigen. The invention provides methods for treating a patient having a disease associated with an antigen. The methods according to the invention comprise combining ex vivo an antigen and an antigen-presenting cell binding agent specific for the antigen, and administering the composition to a patient suffering from a disease associated with the antigen, wherein the patient receives a therapeutic benefit.