Abstract: The present invention provides immunostimulatory combinations of TLR ligands and therapeutic and/or prophylactic methods that include administering an immunostimulatory combination to a subject. In general, the immunostimulatory combinations described herein can provide an increased immune response compared to other immunostimulatory combinations and/or compositions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the preparation of purified allergens and allergoids, both derived from whole bee venom, for the desensitisation (immunotherapy) of subjects affected by a specific allergy. In particular, the present invention concerns a preparation for immunotherapy based on purified bee venom, characterised in that said bee venom is essentially mellitin-free. In addition, the preparation of a monomeric allergoid obtainable through the carbamylation or thiocarbamylation reaction of said mellitin-free bee venom, is described. Said allergoid, being characterised by reduced IgE-binding activity, may be a safer and more effective candidate for specific immunotherapy.

Abstract: Fusion proteins and DNA conjugates are disclosed which contain a TLR/CD40/agonist and optional antigen combination. The use of these protein and DNA conjugates as immune adjuvants and as vaccines for treatment of various chronic diseases such as HIV infection is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions that exhibit viscosities suitable for injectable formulations. The compositions comprise bioactive agent-loaded microparticles and hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof in a suitable liquid pharmaceutical carrier. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an allergy vaccine composition for mucosal administration comprising a cysteine protease allergen in a reduced active state or in an oxidised inactive state, The inventions further relates to an adjuvant system for use in a vaccine for mucosal administration comprising a cysteine protease.

Abstract: Method for the production of a purified extract of natural allergens comprising the steps of extracting a natural source of allergens comprising allergenic proteins, purifying of said extract to remove non-protein components denaturating said purified extract, said purified denaturated extract comprising proteins, wherein the most abundant (w/w) proteins, forming together at least 60% (w/w) of all proteins, are at least two proteins, and all proteins represent at least 60% (w/w) of the dry weight of the purified denaturated extract or a method for the production of a purified extract of natural allergens comprising the steps of hydrolysing a denaturated allergen purifying said allergen hydrolysate to remove peptides with a molecular weight above 10,000 Da and below 1,000 Da in order to obtain a purified hydrolysate where 70%, more preferably 80% of the peptides are between 10,000 Da and 1,000 Da, in the form of an starch based pellet.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are described for controlling pathogenic condition or disease in a subject. Devices are described that include one or more bone cages. The device including one or more bone cages can be configured to include one or more immunogens and one or more adjuvants. The device including one or more bone cages can be configured to, and/or structured to at least partially or completely surround one or more cells or tissues that produce one or more immunogens and/or one or more adjuvants. The device is useful in a method for treating a pathogenic condition or disease in the subject.

Abstract: Immunostimulatory polymers that contain certain sequence-dependent immunostimulatory RNA motifs and methods for the use of such immunostimulatory polymers and compositions containing such polymers are provided according to the invention. The sequence-dependent immunostimulatory RNA motifs and the polymers incorporating such motifs are potent and selective inducers of TLR7 and the TLR7-associated cytokine IFN-?.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method for desensitization of allergic patients. More specifically it relates to an epicutaneous desensitization method, applicable to any type of allergens and of patients. The method of the invention is essentially non-invasive and does not require the use of adjuvants. Further, it may be easily applied and monitored by the actual patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising peptides for preventing or treating allergy to house dust mites, and in particular to optimal combinations of peptides for preventing or treating said allergy.

Abstract: The use of enzymatically hydrolysed egg proteins with a degree of hydrolysis between 15 and 28% in the manufacture of a composition for induction of oral tolerance to egg proteins in a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vaccine adjuvant composition which is used in combination with an allergen vaccine, infection vaccine or tumor vaccine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel organosilicon carrier system for biological agents that is produced via a simple, stable and reproducible preparation process that is capable of maintaining tertiary protein structure and biological activity of the proteins and/or other biological agents in the mixture, whereby the carrier system is obtainable by mixing one or more organosilicon compounds, selected from the group comprising organosilicon, sugar organosilicon, amino sugar organosilicon compounds, their derivatives, salts and/or the vesicles formed from them, with one or more biological agents, selected from the group comprising antigens, preantigens, antigen conjugates, antibodies, pre-antibodies, antibody conjugates, allergens, allergen extracts, nucleic acids, plasmids, proteins, peptides, pharmaceutical agents, immunologically active substances and/or cosmetics, in solution at a pH value between 7 and 8, preferably 7.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising Tr1 cells and mesenchymal stem cells and methods for treating an autoimmune disease, an allergic disease or an inflammatory disease.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing an immune response to a selected antigen are described. The methods are useful for the treatment and prevention of microbial infections, such as infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. The methods and compositions include host defense peptides, polyphosphazenes and immunostimulatory sequences to enhance the immune response to a coadministered antigen.

Abstract: The invention relates to the therapeutic use of oligonucleotides as immunostimulatory agents in immunotherapy applications. More particularly, the invention provides an immunostimulatory oligonucleotides for use in methods for generating an immune response or for treating a patient in need of immunostimulation. The immunostimulatory oligonucleotides of the invention preferably comprise novel purines. The immunostimulatory oligonucleotides 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 immunostimulatory oligonucleotide and having an accessible 5? end.

Abstract: The present invention is in the fields of medicine, public health, immunology, molecular biology and virology. The invention provides compositions comprising a virus-like particle (VLP) or a virus particle and at least one antigen, particularly at least one feline antigen, and more particularly at least one feline antigen that is a human allergen. In certain embodiments, the antigen is a Fel d1 antigen or a fragment thereof, covalently linked to the VLP. The invention also provides methods for producing the compositions. The compositions of the invention induce efficient immune responses, in particular antibody responses, in mammals, particularly humans. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful in the production of vaccines, in particular for the treatment and/or prevention of allergies to cat dander and other cat antigens and allergens.

Abstract: The invention describes an isolated nucleic acid sequence comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a degenerate variant of SEQ ID NO:1. The nucleic acid sequence encodes an Ig-E binding immunogenic polypeptide the amino acid sequence of which comprises at least one sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS:4-25. The invention additionally provides an in vitro diagnostic test for detecting anti-cashew IgE in a patient.

Abstract: The invention provides an allergy prevention method or treatment method, diets and oral drugs enabling prevention/treatment of allergic symptoms without trouble such as systemic adverse reaction, immune deficiency and the like caused by transdermal/intravenous administration of TGF-?. The allergy prevention method or treatment method is to orally administer 100 ?g/kg or more of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-?) relative to a weight of an administration target body and thereby selectively suppress Th2 immune response, while with respect to the diets and oral drugs, the content is set to contain an effective amount of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-?) therein.

Abstract: Provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising tyrosine, an optionally modified allergen, and 3-DMPL, which is useful in the prevention and treatment of allergies.

Abstract: The invention provides an allergy prevention method or treatment method, diets and oral drugs enabling prevention/treatment of allergic symptoms without trouble such as systemic adverse reaction, immune deficiency and the like caused by transdermal/intravenous administration of TGF-?. The allergy prevention method or treatment method is to orally administer 100 ?g/kg or more of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-?) relative to a weight of an administration target body and thereby selectively suppress Th2 immune response, while with respect to the diets and oral drugs, the content is set to contain an effective amount of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-?) therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a preparation for transnasal application, which has improved fluidability. Specifically disclosed is a preparation for transnasal application, which comprises at least a complex comprising: a fluidability-improving component comprising a first crystalline cellulose (A) having specified powder properties, tricalcium phosphate (B) having specified powder properties, and a second crystalline cellulose (C) having specified powder properties or a starch (D) having specified powder properties; and a physiologically active substance.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunostimulatory nucleic acid. In certain embodiments according to this aspect of the invention, the sequence of the immunostimulatory oligonucleotide and/or immunomer is at least partially self-complementary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of prophylactically treating, reducing, delaying or controlling severe allergic reaction, e.g., to food and/or hymenoptera allergen, e.g. peanut allergen or bee venom allergen, in patients at risk of systemic anaphylaxis, e.g., patients receiving allergen desensitization therapy, through the use of a mast cell stabilizer, e.g., ketotifen and/or its metabolites or derivatives in free or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof. The invention further provides methods to desensitize a patient to one or more allergens comprising administering (i) one or more allergen to induce tolerance and (ii) one or more mast cell stabilizers in free or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation and use of variants of the group 5 allergen of the Pooideae which are characterised by reduced IgE reactivity compared with the known wild-type allergens and at the same time by substantially retained reactivity with T lymphocytes. These hypoallergenic allergen variants can be employed for the specific immunotherapy (hyposensitisation) of patients having grass pollen allergy or for the preventative immunotherapy of grass pollen allergies.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and compositions for modulating immune responses, which involve particulate delivery of agents to immune cells, wherein the agents comprise an inhibitor of the NF-?B signaling pathway and an antigen that corresponds to a target antigen. The methods and compositions of the present invention are particularly useful in the treatment or prophylaxis of an undesirable immune response associated with the target antigen, including autoimmune diseases, allergies and transplantation associated diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to the therapeutic use of oligonucleotides as immunostimulatory agents in immunotherapy applications. More particularly, the invention provides immunostimulatory oligonucleotides for use in methods for generating an immune response or for treating a patient in need of immunostimulation. The immunostimulatory oligonucleotides of the invention preferably comprise novel purines. The immunostimulatory oligonucleotides 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 immunostimulatory oligonucleotide and having an accessible 5? end.

Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutically important variants of the major allergen Phl p 1 from timothy grass, characterized in that a preparation, hitherto not possible, of monomeric molecules which are soluble and stable in physiological media can be carried out with the aid of prokaryotic expression systems and subsequent purification thereof.

Abstract: The present invention describes a new method for progressive desensitization of a subject to groundnut. More specifically, the invention relates to the immunotherapeutic method for increasing groundnut tolerance in an allergic subject using epicutaneous administration. The present invention is also relative to the use of a skin patch device for progressive desensitization of a subject to groundnut.

Abstract: Prostatic kallikrein for the manufacture of a diagnostic or pharmaceutical composition for diagnosis/treatment of type 1 allergy, especially allergy to dogs.

Abstract: Provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising tyrosine, an optionally modified allergen, and 3-DMPL, the composition is useful in the prevention and treatment of allergies.

Abstract: Antisense oligonucleotide compounds, compositions and methods are provided for down regulating the expression of TLR4. The compositions comprise antisense oligonucleotides targeted to nucleic acids encoding TLR4. The compositions may also comprise antisense oligonucleotides targeted to nucleic acids encoding TLR4 in combination with other therapeutic and/or prophylactic compounds and/or compositions. Methods of using these compounds and compositions for down-regulating TLR4 expression and for prevention or treatment of diseases wherein modulation of TLR4 expression would be beneficial are provided.

Abstract: Antisense oligonucleotide compounds, compositions and methods are provided for down regulating the expression of TLR5. The compositions comprise antisense oligonucleotides targeted to nucleic acids encoding TLR5. The compositions may also comprise antisense oligonucleotides targeted to nucleic acids encoding TLR5 in combination with other therapeutic and/or prophylactic compounds and/or compositions. Methods of using these compounds and compositions for down-regulating TLR5 expression and for prevention or treatment of diseases wherein modulation of TLR5 expression would be beneficial are provided.

Abstract: Modular nanoparticle vaccine compositions and methods of making and using the same have been developed. Modular nanoparticle vaccine compositions comprise an antigen encapsulated in a polymeric particle and adaptor elements which modularly couple functional elements to the particle. The modular design of these vaccine compositions, which involves flexible addition and subtraction of antigen, adjuvant, immune potentiators, molecular recognition and transport mediation elements, as well as intracellular uptake mediators, allows for exquisite control over variables that are important in optimizing an effective vaccine delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide derived from the ragweed pollen allergen Amb a (1) and comprising (6 to 50) amino acid residues and pharmaceutical preparations comprising said peptide and uses thereof.

Abstract: Antisense oligonucleotide compounds, compositions and methods are provided for down regulating the expression of MyD88. The compositions comprise antisense oligonucleotides targeted to nucleic acids encoding MyD88. The compositions may also comprise antisense oligonucleotides targeted to nucleic acids encoding MyD88 in combination with other therapeutic and/or prophylactic compounds and/or compositions. Methods of using these compounds and compositions for down-regulating MyD88 expression and for prevention or treatment of diseases wherein modulation of MyD88 expression would be beneficial are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the film products and methods of their preparation that demonstrate a non-self-aggregating uniform heterogeneity. Desirably, the films disintegrate in water and may be formed by a controlled drying process, or other process that maintains the required uniformity of the film. The films contain a polymer component, which includes polyethylene oxide optionally blended with hydrophilic cellulosic polymers. Desirably, the films also contain a pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active agent with no more than a 10% variance of the active agent pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active agent per unit area of the film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a Der f 2 allergen composition for the manufacture of a vaccine for preventing or treating allergy to Der p 2, as well as to the use of a Der p 2 allergen composition for the manufacture of a vaccine for treating allergy to Der f 2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for modifying allergens to enhance their suitability in immunotherapy. The invention further relates to the modified allergens and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, as well as to their use in immunotherapy.

Abstract: A nasal delivery device for and method of delivering substance to the middle meatus in a nasal cavity of a subject in the treatment of a condition, in particular an inflammatory or infectious condition, thereof, the delivery device comprising: a nosepiece unit (17) including a nosepiece (20) for fitting to a nostril of a subject and a nozzle (25) through which substance is in use delivered to the respective nasal cavity; and a delivery unit (29) for delivering substance through the nozzle of the nosepiece; wherein the delivery device is configured to provide for deposition of a significant fraction of the delivered dose on, around and in the vicinity of the middle meatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to reagents useful in the immunotherapeutic or immunoprophylactic treatment of allergic diseases. More particularly, the present invention provides modified allergens exhibiting reduced IgE interactivity including reduced IgE production-stimulatory activity, while retaining T-cell antigenicity, which are useful in the immunomodulation of type I allergic disease conditions. The present invention further contemplates a method of immunomodulation of allergic diseases such as type I allergic disease conditions by the administration of modified allergens exhibiting reduced IgE interactivity while retaining T-cell antigenicity.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acids encoding an allergen of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Der p III, are disclosed. A cDNA encoding a peptide having a Der p III activity and a predicted molecular weight of about 24,985 daltons is also described. The nucleic acids can be used as probes to detect the presence of Der p III nucleic acid in a sample or for the recombinant production of peptides having an activity of Der p III. Peptides having an activity of Der p III can be used in compositions suitable for pharmaceutical administration or methods of diagnosing sensitivity to house dust mites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of universal inactivated vaccines and their use in preparing compositions for the prophylaxis and therapy of dermatomycosis. Vaccines according to the present invention have the advantage of conferring immunity against all important causes of dermatomycosis in animals and are characterized by stable immunogenic properties, easy preparation, high content of microconidia and lack of side reactions in animals.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acids encoding allergens of Canis familiaris, Can f I or Can f II, are disclosed. A cDNA encoding a peptide having a Can f I activity and a predicted molecular weight of about 19,200 daltons is also described. A cDNA encoding a peptide having Can f II activity and a predicted molecular weight of about 18,200 daltons is also disclosed. The nucleic acids can be used as probes to detect the presence of Can f I or Can f II nucleic acid in a sample or for the recombinant production of petides having a Can f I or Can f II activity. Peptides having a Can f I or Can f II activity can be used in compositions suitable for pharmaceutical administration or methods of diagnosing sensitivity to dog dander.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of Immunology, specifically with the branch of Immuno-Allergy and in particular with the use of adjuvant or carrier compounds, capable of modulating the immune response to allergens. The technical objective that is pursued is to obtain a pharmaceutical preparation of therapeutic or prophylactic use using bacterial proteoliposomes, which transform the allergic response Th2 and IgE when being applied in allergic individuals, toward a protector response Th1; as well as it is able to prevent the appearance and the development of allergies in individuals non-allergic yet. The vaccine composition consists of proteoliposomes derived from Gram-negative bacteria coupled to allergens and optionally contains other adjuvants or antigens. The method for its preparation and an immunization scheme of two doses are provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses pharmaceutical products useful for the treatment of allergies, autoimmune diseases, vaccination of mammals, as well as for in vitro diagnostics. These products preferably comprise pollen grains having altered protein composition by means of genetic modification in the plant that produces them. The production process of the present invention comprises the cultivation of genetically modified plants capable of producing pollen grains having modified molecular composition.

Abstract: A method for the production of a purified extract of natural allergens comprising the steps of a) extracting a natural source of allergens comprising allergenic proteins to form an extract, b) purifying of said extract to remove non-protein components to form a purified extract c) denaturating said purified extract to form a purified denaturated extract, said purified denaturated extract comprising proteins, wherein the most abundant (w/w) proteins, forming together at least 60% (w/w) of all proteins, are at least two proteins, and all proteins represent at least 60% (w/w) of the dry weight of the purified denaturated extract and a method for the production of a purified extract of natural allergens comprising the steps of a) hydrolysing a denaturated allergen to form an allergen hydrolysate, b) purifying said allergen hydrolysate to remove peptides with a molecular weight above 10,000 Da and below 1,000 Da in order to obtain a purified hydrolysate where 70%, more preferably 80% of the peptides are betwe

Abstract: The invention provides hypoallergenic variants of Bet v 1 major allergen from Betula verrucosa plant pollen and the use thereof for the preventive or therapeutic treatment of allergic diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides classes of immunomodulatory compositions which comprise an average of one or more immunostimulatory sequence (ISS) containing polynucleotide conjugated, or attached, to antigen. The extent of conjugation affects immunomodulatory properties, such as extent of antigen-specific antibody form ration, including Th1-associated antibody formation, and thus these various conjugate classes are useful for modulating the type and extent of immune response. The invention also includes methods of modulating an immune response using these compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to association of one or more polymorphisms located in the human SFRS8, CD83, SLAMF1, CD86, HRH1, IL2, TLR7, TLR8 and TLR10 genes to the occurrence of allergic diseases such as rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis, auto-immune diseases, infectious diseases, and graft/host incompatibilities. The invention relates both to methods for diagnosing a predisposition to said diseases, classifying said diseases and to methods and compositions for treating subjects with said diseases. Furthermore the invention relates to screens for identifying compounds effective in treating said diseases. The invention describes specific single nucleotide polymorphisms the presence of which in the genome of an individual is strongly associated with the predisposition of said individual to an immune related disease.