Abstract: The invention involves methods and products for inducing Treg cells for immune suppression in connection with autoimmune disease and transplant rejection.

Abstract: The invention relates to supplying vaccine RNA to cells. The invention relates in particular to a common use of vaccine RNA and Flt3 ligand for inducing, creating or enhancing an immune response when administered to animals (including humans).

Abstract: Compositions including human Tr1 cells directed to an allergen associated to an allergen or asthmatic provided the allergen is not a food allergen and use thereof for treating an allergic or asthmatic condition, excluding a food allergic condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of preventing, treating, and ameliorating asthma, allergen-induced respiratory symptoms, and/or an allergic or inflammatory condition of the lung or respiratory system in a patient by administering B Lymphocyte Stimulator antagonists. In addition, the invention provides a method of reducing total serum IgE levels in a patient suffering from asthma, and/or an allergic or inflammatory condition of the lung or respiratory system by administering B Lymphocyte Stimulator antagonists. The invention further provides a method of treating, preventing or ameliorating an allergen-induced airway hyper responsiveness or increase in mucus-containing cells and/or mucus accumulation or production in the airway epithelium of a patient by administering B Lymphocyte Stimulator antagonist.

Abstract: A safe and efficient recombinant mite allergen is provided as a therapeutic agent or a diagnostic agent for mite allergic diseases, which contains no anaphylaxis-inducing impurities. The following recombinant protein (a) or (b) is provided: (a) a protein comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 or 35; or (b) a protein comprising an amino acid sequence derived from the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 or 35 by deletion, substitution, or addition of one or several amino acids and having mite allergen activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to in vivo methods and compositions designed for allergen specific immunotherapy. The compositions include contiguous overlapping peptide fragments which together form an entire amino acid sequence of an allergen.

Abstract: This invention provides double-stranded (ds) RNA capable of suppressing the expression of STAT6 related to allergic diseases mediated by Th2-type cytokines via RNA interference and a pharmaceutical composition for prevention or treatment of allergic diseases comprising such dsRNA.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for producing a recombinant Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus 2 protein (rDer p 2), comprising the steps of cultivating a Pichia pastoris yeast strain previously transformed with a rDer p 2 coding sequence, and isolating the rDer p 2 protein from said Pichia pastoris yeast strain. The invention also relates to compositions and kits comprising the rDer p 2 protein for therapeutic or diagnostic use.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to molecules such as peptides, polypeptides and proteins which interact immunologically with T lymphocytes in subjects having peanut allergy, or allergy to other tree nuts, and genetic sequences encoding same. These molecules are preferentially immunointeractive with T cells in subjects having an allergy to the Ara h 2 allergen. The molecules of the present invention are useful in the development of diagnostic, therapeutic and prophylactic agents for conditions characterized by an aberrant, inappropriate or otherwise unwanted immune response to Ara h 2 or derivative or homologue thereof.

Abstract: Nucleic acids containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides and therapeutic utilities based on their ability to stimulate an immune response and to redirect a Th2 response to a Th1 response in a subject are disclosed. Methods for treating atopic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant insect poison allergens and to a specific method for producing them. Said allergens can be varied according to whether they are produced using folds (conformations) that are identical or different to those that occur naturally. The proteins with folds that do not occur naturally have a reduced IgE reactivity or allergenity and can therefore be used as therapeutic agents in the immunotherapy of allergies.

Abstract: A method is provided for diagnosis and induction of immunogenic tolerance in contact allergy and other epithelial immunotoxicological ailments, based on knowledge of the role that keratinocytes play in these ailments and is of importance for several conditions, including but not limited to allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stabilized pharmaceutical composition that enables the production of a preparation for desensitization therapy useful as an agent for the prevention or treatment of allergic diseases such as pollen hypersensitivity, has outstanding allergen protein stability, and is useful for storage and transfer. More specifically, the present invention provides a stabilized pharmaceutical composition containing an allergen protein and at least one type of stabilizer selected from the group consisting of sugars, sugar alcohols, and sugar fatty acids.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a pharmaceutical product comprising allergen and optionally an adjuvant for fast up-dosing in connection with allergy vaccination wherein a reduced number of injections are used. The invention also relates to the pharmaceutical product as such.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions for immunotherapy, for example for immunotherapy of peanut allergy. Further, the present invention relates to methods for the preparation of the present pharmaceutical compositions for immunotherapy, and their use in immunotherapy. Furthermore, the present invention relates to processes for modifying allergens thereby enhancing their application in immunotherapy. The invention also relates to the present modified allergens and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the present allergens, as well as to the use thereof in immunotherapy. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions for immunotherapy comprising reduced and alkylated naturally occurring peanut allergens Ara h2 and/or Ara h6, or derivates or isoforms thereof wherein said pharmaceutical composition substantially does not comprise Ara h1 and/or Ara h3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hypoallergenic molecule consisting of Bet v Ia or an allergen having at least 40% identity to Bet v Ia comprising mutations of at least four amino acid residues in the region of amino acids 100 to 125 of Bet v Ia or its corresponding region of the allergen having at least 40% identity to Bet v Ia.

Abstract: A purified Ig-E binding immunogenic polypeptide the amino acid sequence of which consists of SEQ ID NO:1 is disclosed. The purified amino acid sequence is a major allergen of the walnut Juglans regia. Also described are a diagnostic test kit and use of the purified polypeptide in tests for identifying patients having an allergy to walnuts. Mutations of the disclosed polypeptide, as well as nucleic acid sequences encoding therefor are claimed as part of the invention.

Abstract: A first or second polypeptide for use in a method of treating or preventing a disorder by tolerisation, wherein said method comprises administration of the first and second polypeptide; and wherein both first and second polypeptides: i) are of 7 to 30 amino acids in length; ii) comprise at least one MHC Class Il-binding T cell epitope; and iii) are a fragment of a protein allergen or a homologous variant of said fragment; wherein said first polypeptide induces the release of an amount of IL-10 that is greater than the amount of IL-10 released in response to the whole protein allergen from which the first polypeptide derives; wherein said disorder is characterised by an inappropriate immune response to the protein allergen from which the second polypeptide derives.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for standardizing allergen extract with respect to the contents of major as well as minor allergens. The method comprises determining relative amounts of allergens in a given extract, followed by an adjustment of the contents of major an minor allergens so as to meet predefined limitations. Also disclosed is an anti-allergy kit comprising means for profiling an allergic subject and an extract or series of extracts prepared according to the invention.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a film-form preparation to be used in desensitization therapy and a method for producing the same. This film-form preparation enables the patient to self-administer an allergen and adjust the dose, has excellent portability, has no residual sensation, provides excellent protection against accidental swallowing, is easy for a caregiver to administer, and can greatly improve the QOL of both patients and caregivers. Additionally, this film-form preparation enables arbitrary control of the dissolution time in the mouth, particularly sublingually and has very little gummy sensation in the mouth and better feeling when touched by the fingers. A film-form preparation including: an allergen; an edible polymer that is soluble in both water and a polar organic solvent; and one or two or more types of particles selected from the group consisting of monosaccharide to hexasaccharide sugars and sugar alcohols thereof that have an average particle size of 0.1 to 100 ?m.

Abstract: Provided are compositions that include one or more natural, recombinant and/or modified allergens; with a pharmaceutically acceptable non-aqueous solvent to form an immunotherapy composition that includes the active ingredient and solvent, wherein the immunotherapy composition is formulated for administration to a subject in need of immunotherapy. The solvent is miscible with water and interstitial fluid. The at least one active ingredient is soluble in the solvent and insoluble in water and in an aqueous phase of interstitial fluid. The present compositions may be administered to a patient for example, as part of an immunotherapy regimen to help induce a state of immunologic tolerance to one or more allergies, or as treatment for an autoimmune disease. Also provided are methods of making such compositions. Further provided are methods that include administering the composition to a mammal.

Abstract: The invention provides adjuvants, immunogenic compositions, and methods useful for polynucleotide-based vaccination and immune response. In particular, the invention provides an adjuvant of cytofectin:co-lipid mixture wherein cytofectin is GAP-DMORIE.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mucoadhesive composition, adapted for preventing and/or treating a pathological reaction of the immune system of an individual, by inducing a specific tolerance towards at least one antigen involved in said pathological reaction, comprising chitosan particles loaded with said at least one antigen involved in the pathological reaction, wherein the size of the loaded chitosan particles is of more than 800 nm.

Abstract: A method for testing, treating, and preventing delayed food allergies includes: receiving detailed symptom, medical, and dietary histories from a patient; formulating a combination of one or more food extracts at selected concentration for sublingual adminstration over a trial period; determining whether the patient's symptoms have improved, worsened, or had no change, in response to the administration of the combination; and altering the combination in response to whether the patient's symptoms have improved, worsened, or not changed, so as to induce immune system food tolerance.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for treating a subject suffering from an inflammatory, autoimmune, or heteroimmune condition by administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition containing a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that is a selective inhibitor of histone deacetylase 8. Also described herein are methods for decreasing secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by administering an HDAC8-selective inhibitor compound. Further described herein are methods for predicting responsiveness to treatments for inflammatory conditions. Methods for predicting efficacy of treatments for inflammatory conditions are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to the therapeutic use of oligonucleotides as immunostimulatory agents in immunotherapy applications. More particularly, the invention provides immunomers and an immunostimulatory oligonucleotides for use in methods for generating an immune response or for treating a patient in need of immunostimulation. The immunomers and an immunostimulatory oligonucleotides of the invention preferably comprise novel purines. The immunomers according to the invention further comprise at least two oligonucleotides linked at their 3? ends, internucleoside linkages or functionalized nucleobase or sugar to a non-nucleotidic linker, at least one of the oligonucleotides being an immunomodulatory oligonucleotide and having an accessible 5? end.

Abstract: Methods for desensitising an individual to a selected polypeptide antigen are provided. The methods entail administration of T cell epitope containing peptides from a polypeptide antigen in such a way as to establish a tolergeneic environment, that is, a state of hyporesponsiveness to the peptides. The selected polypeptide antigen is then administered such that the state of hyporesponsiveness and co-administration of the selected antigen are sufficient to desensitise the individual to the polypeptide antigen. Also provided are therapeutic systems useful in the methods of the invention, and the use of polypeptide antigens and peptides in the manufacture of medicaments in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mucosal allergen-specific immunotherapy with a seasonal allergen, wherein the therapy is initiated after start of the pollen season of the seasonal allergen. Preferably, the seasonal allergen is provided in solid dosage form and is administered daily. Furthermore, advantageously, the same dose may be used throughout the treatment period since up-dosing is not required.

Abstract: The invention relates to the therapeutic use of immunostimulatory oligonucleotides and/or immunomers on mucosal innate immunity as well as adjuvant activity using ovalbumin (OVA) as an antigen through administration to the mucosal lining.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the preparation of a batch of an active pharmaceutical ingredient, e.g. an allergen product. The invention also relates to a container comprising cryogranules of a liquid composition of an allergen product, and to a cryogranule of an allergen product. The processes feature formation of cryogranules using a container having therein a cryogenic medium (e.g. liquid nitrogen) and storage of the cryogranules in the same container. The cryogranules obtained can be stored and handled without prior freeze-drying.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the provision of a DNA sequence of the major grass pollen allergen Lol p 4. The invention also encompasses fragments, new combinations of partial sequences and point mutants having a hypoallergenic action. The recombinant DNA molecules and the derived polypeptides, fragments, new combinations of partial sequences and variants can be utilised for the therapy of pollen-allergic diseases. The proteins prepared by recombinant methods can be employed for in vitro and in vivo diagnosis of pollen allergies.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of DNA sequences of group 4 major allergens from cereals. The invention also includes fragments, novel combinations of partial sequences and point mutations with hypoallergenic effects. The recombinant DNA molecules and the derived polypeptides, fragments, novel combinations of partial sequences and variants can be used for therapy of pollen-allergy diseases. The proteins produced by recombination can be applied to in-vitro and in-vivo diagnosis of pollen allergies.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of allergies. More particularly, the present invention provides a method for treating an allergy in a subject by inducing tolerance to an allergen associated with the allergy. Medicinal kits useful in protocols to induce tolerance or reduce intolerance in a subject also form part of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-allergic pharmaceutical composition containing at least two active agents chosen from: (i) one allergen, (ii) one antihistamine compound, and (iii) one inhibitor of histamine synthesis, said active agents being associated in said composition with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to the finding that virus like particles (VLPs) can be loaded and packaged, respectively, with DNA oligonucleotides rich in non-methylated C and G (CpGs). If such CpG-VLPs are mixed with antigens, the immunogenicity of these antigens are dramatically enhanced. In addition, the T cell responses against the antigens are especially directed to the Th1 type. Surprisingly, no covalent linkage of the antigen to the VLP is required; it is sufficient to simply mix the VLPs with the adjuvants for co-administration. In addition, it was found that VLPs did not enhance immune responses unless they were loaded and packaged, respectively, with CpGs. Antigens mixed with CpG-packaged VLPs may therefore be ideal vaccines for prophylactic or therapeutic vaccination against allergies, tumors and other self-molecules and chronic viral diseases.

Abstract: The present invention refers to recombinant ADN molecules coding to hybrids polypeptides of different allergens from D. pteronyssinus useful for the prevention and treatment of allergies, particularly allergies caused by mites. Specifically, the invention describes hybrid proteins composed of fragments of allergens Derp p 1 y Derp p 2 with hypoallergenic characteristics and maintain their immunogenic capacity, being particularly useful for the treatment of allergy. The invention also describes the production methods of these polypeptides in heterologous expression systems. Besides, the invention describes efficient purification methods of these hybrid proteins.

Abstract: Novel recombinant allergens with multiple mutations and reduced IgE binding affinity are disclosed. The allergens are mutants of naturally occurring allergens. The overall ?-carbon backbone tertiary structure is essentially preserved. Also disclosed is a method for preparing such recombinant allergens as well as uses thereof.

Abstract: This invention is directed to ?-1-6-glucans, compositions and devices comprising the same, and methods of use thereof in modulating immune responses. The ?-1-6-glucans of certain embodiments of the invention are enriched for O-acetylated groups and/or conjugated to a solid support or linked to a targeting moiety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an RNA vaccine comprising an RNA molecule encoding an allergen or derivative thereof and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns bifunctional fusion molecules, and novel, safer and more efficacious methods for the treatment of immune disorders resulting from excessive or unwanted immune responses. The invention provides methods for the suppression of type I hypersensitive (i.e., IgE-mediated) allergic conditions, methods for the prevention of anaphylactic responses that occur as a result of traditional peptide immunotherapies for allergic and autoimmune disorders, and provides novel methods for the treatment of autoimmune conditions, where the methods have reduced risk of triggering an anaphylactic response. The invention provides novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of allergic responses, including the prevention of anaphylactic response that can occur from environmental allergen exposure. The invention also provides methods for the treatment of autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, autoimmune type I diabetes mellitus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: It has been determined that allergens, which are characterized by both humoral (IgE) and cellular (T cell) binding sites, can be modified to be less allergenic by modifying the IgE binding sites. The IgE binding sites can be converted to non-IgE binding sites by masking the site with a compound that prevents IgE binding or by altering as little as a single amino acid within the protein, most typically a hydrophobic residue towards the center of the IgE-binding epitope, to eliminate IgE binding. The method allows the protein to be altered as minimally as possible, other than-within the IgE-binding sites, while retaining the ability of the protein to activate T cells, and, in some embodiments by not significantly altering or decreasing IgG binding capacity The examples use peanut allergens to demonstrate alteration of IgE binding sites. The critical amino acids within each of the IgE binding epitopes of the peanut protein that are important to immunoglobulin binding have been determined.

Abstract: The invention concerns bifunctional fusion molecules for the treatment of IgE-mediated allergic conditions and Fc?RI-mediated autoimmune conditions. The invention provides a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of both acute and late-phase allergic responses due to ingestion, inhalation, cutaneous and parenteral exposure to allergens, responses including asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, severe food allergies, chronic urticaria and angioedema, as well as anaphylactic reactions due to exposures such as bee stings or penicillin allergy. In addition, the invention provides for a novel, safer and more efficacious form of allergy vaccination.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to novel recombinant polypeptides of Bahia grass pollen and to genetic sequences encoding same. More particularly, the present invention is directed to Pas n 1 polypeptides and derivatives, and fragments thereof and genetic sequences encoding same. The molecules of the present invention are useful in a range of therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic applications including, but not limited to, applications in the context of conditions characterised by an aberrant, inappropriate or otherwise unwanted immune response to the Bahia grass pollen.

Abstract: Hybrid polypeptides comprising at least two different allergenic proteins or fragments thereof wherein each fragment consists of at least eight consecutive amino acids of the respective allergenic protein are disclosed. The hybrid polypeptides and polynucleotides coding therefor can be used as pharmaceutical compositions, in particular as vaccines.

Abstract: A soluble aggregate of allergen proteins, prepared by heating multiple allergen proteins and aggregating the allergen proteins and thus enclosing the antigen structures causing allergic reactions therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to modulation of the immune system. More particularly, the invention relates to modulating the immune system through the use of oligonucleotide-derived compounds. The invention provides immunostimulatory agents that are less expensive to make than existing immunostimulatory oligonucleotides. The immunostimulatory agents according to the invention can, in preferred embodiments, cause immune stimulation across species lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the provision of a DNA sequence of the major grass pollen allergen Lol p 4. The invention also encompasses fragments, new combinations of partial sequences and point mutants having a hypoallergenic action. The recombinant DNA molecules and the derived polypeptides, fragments, new combinations of partial sequences and variants can be utilised for the therapy of pollen-allergic diseases. The proteins prepared by recombinant methods can be employed for in vitro and in vivo diagnosis of pollen allergies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the provision of a DNA sequence of the major grass pollen allergen Lol p 4. The invention also encompasses fragments, new combinations of partial sequences and point mutants having a hypoallergenic action. The recombinant DNA molecules and the derived polypeptides, fragments, new combinations of partial sequences and variants can be utilized for the therapy of pollen-allergic diseases. The proteins prepared by recombinant methods can be employed for in vitro and in vivo diagnosis of pollen allergies.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel peptides and homologues thereof. The peptides of the invention comprise (i) a T-cell epitope of an antigen (self or non-self) with a potential to trigger an immune reaction presented by a class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) determinant and recognised by CD4+ T cell more specifically of an allergen or auto-antigen, coupled, optionally through the use of a linker to (ii) an amino acid sequence having a reducing activity, such as a thioreductase sequence. The peptides of the invention have been shown to be useful a medicine, more in particular for the prevention or treatment of immune disorders, more specifically of allergic disorders or autoimmune diseases. The present invention thus provides for the use of said peptides for the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention or treatment of an immune disorder and further provides for methods of treatment or preventing immune disorders by using said peptides.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing an immune response to an allergen or antigenic determinant thereof in a mammal by administering a modulator of the Notch signalling pathway.