Abstract: The invention relates to the field of biomedical and pharmacological research, in particular in the field of immunology, allergies, cancers, bone diseases and autoimmune diseases. The invention is based on the recent finding that SWAP-70 dimerizes, that the dimerization takes place via a specific, largely unique and limited region of the protein, and that this dimerization is central to the function of the protein (and probably the stability thereof). The invention provides a screening method which makes it possible to identify new active ingredients which, by accumulating at the dimerization domain and inhibiting SWAP-70 activity, suppress the supporting function of SWAP-70 in tumorigenesis, tumor cell migration and invasion, bone-degrading osteoclast activity, and the allergic reaction, as well as in autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of biomedical and pharmacological research, in particular in the field of immunology, allergies, cancers, bone diseases and autoimmune diseases. The invention is based on the recent finding that SWAP-70 dimerises, that the dimerisation takes place via a specific, largely unique and limited region of the protein, and that this dimerisation is central to the function of the protein (and probably the stability thereof). The invention provides a screening method which makes it possible to identify new active ingredients which, by accumulating at the dimerisation domain and inhibiting SWAP-70 activity, suppress the supporting function of SWAP-70 in tumourigenesis, tumour cell migration and invasion, bone-degrading osteoclast activity, and the allergic reaction, as well as in autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of biomedical and pharmacological research, in particular to the area of immunology, allergies and autoimmune diseases. The inventors have shown that SWAP-70 is a higher-level regulator for STAT-6 and BCL-6, the regulator being specific for IgE production in B-cells by amplifying the effect of STAT-6 and antagonizing the effect of BCL-6. The inventors have observed no influence of SWAP-70 on the expression of other genes that are likewise regulated by STAT-6 and/or BCL-6. In summary, it can be concluded that SWAP-70 positively regulates IgE production by shifting the interaction of the two antagonists STAT-6 and BCL-6 with regulatory elements of the IgE gene in favor of the activator STAT-6. Based on said findings, the invention provides a screening method which allows for identifying novel active agents that specifically inhibit IgE production.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of biomedical and pharmacological research, in particular to the area of immunology, allergies and autoimmune diseases. The inventors have shown that SWAP-70 is a higher-level regulator for STAT-6 and BCL-6, the regulator being specific for IgE production in B-cells by amplifying the effect of STAT-6 and antagonizing the effect of BCL-6. The inventors have observed no influence of SWAP-70 on the expression of other genes that are likewise regulated by STAT-6 and/or BCL-6. In summary, it can be concluded that SWAP-70 positively regulates IgE production by shifting the interaction of the two antagonists STAT-6 and BCL-6 with regulatory elements of the IgE gene in favor of the activator STAT-6. Based on said findings, the invention provides a screening method which allows for identifying novel active agents that specifically inhibit IgE production.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for use in the diagnosis and treatment of reproductive fertility. More particularly, it is directed to methods and compositions that can be used in male and female contraception and fertility.

Abstract: The invention provides screening methods to identify agents that modulate a level or an activity of a SWAP-70 protein in a degranulation competent cell; agents that reduce a level or an activity of a SWAP-70 protein, including agents identified by the screening methods; and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such agents. The present invention further provides methods of reducing degranulation in a degranulation competent cell, such as a mast cell or basophil. The methods generally involve reducing a level or activity of a SWAP-70 protein in a degranulation competent cell. The invention further provides methods of treating a mast cell-mediated disorder in an individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation, purification and characterization of proteins mediating switch recombination. It further relates to recombinant SRTA-70 proteins, DNA sequences encoding these proteins, vectors containing these DNA sequences and hosts containing these vectors. The use of these proteins for identifying agonists or antagonists and other proteins involved in class switch recombination is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated SRTA-70 proteins that mediate immunoglobulin class switch recombination in antibody-producing cells, and methods of procuding such proteins. The invention further provides isolated polynucleotides encoding SRTA-70 proteins, as well as vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotides. The invention further provides methods of using SRTA-70 proteins to identify agents that modulate immunoglobulin class switch.