Abstract: Methods of inhibiting activation of a mast cell and/or treating a disease induced by activation of a mast cell in a subject are provided. Accordingly there is provided a method comprising contacting a cancerous mast cell with an effective amount of a multivalent agent which binds and activates Siglec-7, thereby inhibiting activation of the cancerous mast cell. Also provided is a method comprising contacting a mast cell with an effective amount of an agent comprising: a first moiety which binds and activates Siglec-7; and a second moiety which binds activates a mast cell activating receptor, thereby inhibiting activation of the mast cell. Also provided are agents and compositions for and methods of inhibiting activation of a mast cell and/or treating a disease induced by activation of a mast cell in a subject.

Abstract: CD48, a surface-marker molecule present in eosinophils, is disclosed herein as a key molecule in allergic conditions, particularly in allergic airway inflammations like asthma, allergy and nasal polyposis. CD48 is thus presented as a target molecule in the treatment of said conditions. In addition, diagnostic methods, and a kit for the diagnosis of allergic inflammatory conditions are described, based on the detection of CD48 expression.

Abstract: CD48, a surface-marker molecule present in eosinophils, is disclosed herein as a key molecule in allergic conditions, particularly in allergic airway inflammations like asthma, allergy and nasal polyposis. CD48 is thus presented as a target molecule in the treatment of said conditions. In addition, diagnostic methods, and a kit for the diagnosis of allergic inflammatory conditions are described, based on the detection of CD48 expression.

Abstract: Disclosed are bi-specific complexes aimed at inhibiting mast cells, eosinophils and/or basophils, and thus, at inhibiting allergy-type reactions. In particular, said complexes are best exemplified by bi-specific antibodies, which bind to two targets present in the same cell. One target is the inhibitory receptor IRp60. The second target is a cell-specific activator, e.g. IgE, cKIT, Fc?RI, IL5R or CCR3. Binding of the bi-specific antibody to its targets results in the induction of an inhibitory pathway, through the inhibition of the signaling from the activator. Compositions and uses of the bi-specific complexes are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are bi-specific complexes aimed at inhibiting mast cells, eosinophils and/or basophils, and thus, at inhibiting allergy-type reactions. In particular, said complexes are best exemplified by bi-specific antibodies, which bind to two targets present in the same cell. One target is the inhibitory receptor IRp60. The second target is a cell-specific activator, e.g. IgE, cKIT, Fc?RI, IL5R or CCR3. Binding of the bi-specific antibody to its targets results in the induction of an inhibitory pathway, through the inhibition of the signaling from the activator. Compositions and uses of the bi-specific complexes are also described.

Abstract: CD48, a surface-marker molecule present in eosinophils, is disclosed herein as a key molecule in allergic conditions, particularly in allergic airway inflammations like asthma, allergy and nasal polyposis. CD48 is thus presented as a target molecule in the treatment of said conditions. In addition, diagnostic methods, and a kit for the diagnosis of allergic inflammatory conditions are described, based on the detection of CD48 expression.

Abstract: The use of a eosinophil secondary granules basic protein and any functional fragments thereof, and preferably, the use of Major Basic Protein (MBP) purified from eosinophils, as a natural heparanase inhibitor. Also, methods for the inhibition of the catalytic activity of heparanase using MBP, and to methods and compositions for the treatment of heparanase associated pathologic disorders. These methods and composition are particularly useful for the treatment of angiogenesis, tumor formation, tumor progression or tumor metastasis.