Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an allergen for the manufacture of a liquid vaccine formulation for preventing or treating allergy in a subject by oromucosal administration in a dosage regimen comprising no up-dosing.

Abstract: This invention relates to allergenic proteins of natural rubber latex in substantially purified form, their production and their use, together with monoclonal antibodies developed against those allergenic proteins, in assays for the qualitative and quantitative determination of the levels of the allergenic proteins in natural rubber latex or in products made from latex. Assays for identifying and/or quantitating antibodies in blood or blood products that mediate the occurrence of an allergic reaction induced by natural rubber latex are also provided, together with in vivo and in vitro diagnostic tests for detecting hypersensitivity to natural rubber latex and which involve use of the aforesaid allergenic proteins. The invention also provides for the use of the aforesaid allergens as de-sensitising agents in the treatment of latex protein allergy. There is still further provided a method for removing allergenic proteins from latex products.

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling environmental allergens in articles including toys, bedding, clothing and the like that tend to collect house dust mite and other allergens. One method involves seeding an article with house dust mites, exposing the article to conditions that promote accelerated growth of house dust mites (10, block 100), washing the article to remove house dust mites (20, block 200), testing the washed article to determine that the level of dust mite remaining in the washed article is below a predetermined level (50, block 200), repeating the washing step a number of times approximating the number of washes the article is expected to undergo during its normal useful lifetime (20, block 200) and finally passing the article through a series of quality control tests (30 and 40 block 300) so that the article may be assured as washable to control its mite and allergen levels without loss of integrity and safety over a plurality of wash cycles.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical or dietetic dosage form comprising of effective quantity of an active substance chemically or physically bound to a support comprising sporopollenin, or other similar exine coating of spores, of a plant or fungus, optionally with further excipients.

Abstract: An adjuvant complex composed of bacterial outer membrane protein proteosomes complexed to bacterial liposaccharide is prepared to contain the component parts under a variety of conditions. The complex can be formulated with antigenic material to form immunogenic compositions, vaccines and immunotherapeutics. An induced immune response includes protective antibodies and/or type 1 cytokines is shown for a variety of protocols.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for modulating the immune system of a mammal patient towards an allergen, which comprises the step of inducing a pre-sensitisation of the immune system of said patient towards an immunogen carrying at least one T cell epitope homologous and functionally similar to an epitope present on said allergen and deriving from a naturally-occurring antigen in order to modify the response of said patient to a further sensitisation to said allergen, allowing that the immune response towards the allergen is modulated and that no allergy towards said allergen will be developed in said patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nasal vaccine capable of intranasally inducing an effective immunity reaction. Specifically, the invention provides a nasal vaccine containing a compound having an NKT cell-activating action, particularly a compound represented by the formula (I): wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, or a compound represented by the formula (II): wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, and an immunogen in an amount effective for stimulating an immune response.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for the reduction of immune responses to an exogenous allergen. The reduction is obtained by pre-treatment or pre-conditioning, without injection, of a subject with the allergen so as to reduce immune responses in the subject upon additional exposure to the allergen. The invention is advantageously used in a variety of contexts, including seasonal allergies wherein pre-treatment or pre-conditioning is performed before the onset of the seasonal allergy.

Abstract: A dermal patch comprises a support having electrostatic properties, which is covered with or can be covered with a substance that is intended to be applied to the skin. The surface of the support that is in contact with the substance is provided with microreliefs.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunostimulatory nucleic acid comprising CpG motifs, and methods of use thereof in stimulating immunity.

Abstract: The invention provides an immunostimulatory nucleic acid comprising CpG motifs, and methods of use thereof in stimulating immunity.

Abstract: The present invention provides fusion proteins comprising an allergen sequence linked via an IgG hinge region to another polypeptide sequence capable of specifically binding to a native IgG inhibitory receptor containing an immune receptor tyrosine based inhibitory motif (ITIM). They are designed to cross-link an Fc receptor for IgE (e.g., Fc?R1) and an IgG inhibitory receptor (e.g., Fc?RIIb), thereby inhibiting the IgE-driven mediators released from mast cells and basophils. In addition, the present invention provides nucleic acid molecules encoding the fusion proteins, vectors and host cells for producing the fusion proteins, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the fusion proteins, and methods for ameliorating or reducing the risk of IgE-medicated allergic diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions, kits, and methods for the treatment of allergy. The compositions are adapted for epicutaneous administration and comprise an allergen and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. They may be designed as adhesive patches, intradermal delivery devices, ointments, gels, sprays, or similar types of formulation suitable for administration to the skin. Furthermore, the invention provides the use of such compositions in the treatment of allergy. In particular, the compositions are administered to pre-treated skin, wherein the pre-treatment comprises partial or complete dekeratinisation of the epidermis at the selected site of administration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solid vaccine formulation adapted for mucosal administration comprising at least one antigen as active substance, wherein the formulation comprises a lyophilisate of a suspension comprising an oxygen-containing metal salt, the antigen(s) and one or more excipients selected from (i) saccharides, (ii) sugar alcohols, and (iii) amino acids or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Abstract: The T-cell epitope site on a Japanese cypress (hinoki) pollen allergen molecule has been identified by stimulating a T-cell line established from a patient suffering from Japanese cypress pollen allergy with an overlap peptide covering the primary structure of the Japanese cypress pollen allergen. The peptide is useful in peptide-based immunotherapy for patients with spring tree pollinosis including patients with Japanese cypress pollinosis having cross reactivity with Japanese cypress pollen. The peptide is also useful for diagnosing spring tree pollinosis.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and materials for use in modulating T cell activation, based on the production and secretion of soluble cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (sCTLA-4) by cells of the immune system. The method involves stimulating secretion of endogenous sCTLA-4 by T cells, which have preferably previously been exposed to an antigen, by exposing the said cells to a stimulatory agent, preferably a peptide which comprises at least one antigenic determinant of said antigen. The cells may also be exposed to a CD28 stimulatory binding agent, either alone or in combination with the antigenic peptide. In preferred embodiments, the method may be used for treatment or prophylaxis of a disease characterized by a pathogenic immune or autoimmune response. The invention also provides a system for inhibiting sCTLA-4 secretion by T cells.

Abstract: Method for producing derivatives of wild-type protein allergen Phl p 1 with reduced allergenic activity compared to the wild-type allergen, comprising the following steps: providing wild-type protein allergen Phl p 1, fragmenting said wild-type protein allergen into at least three fragments, wherein at least one fragment of said at least three fragments comprises at least one T-cell epitope and said at least three fragments have a reduced allergenic activity or lack allergenic activity and rejoining said at least three fragments in an order differing from the order of the fragments in the wild-type allergen.

Abstract: The invention relates to the therapeutic use of oligonucleotides as immunostimulatory agents in immunotherapy applications. More particularly, the invention provides immunomers for use in methods for generating an immune response or for treating a patient in need of immunostimulation. The immunomers of the invention 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 relates to methods and formulations for GAD-vaccination to evoke a systemic effect rather that a GAD-specific effect. The present invention may therefore be used in the treatment of disease in humans not bearing on a GAD-specific effect. The invention includes a method to treat an autoimmune disease or disorder by administering at least one sequestered autoantigen in a prime and boost regimen for sensitization purposes followed by a boost for treatment purposes. This may be done upon diagnosis. Examples of sequestered autoantigens include: GAD65, GAD67, Pro-Insulin, Basic Myelin Protein, MOG and Chondrotoin II. The present invention relates to medications and methods for treatment of autoimmune disease within six months from diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid sequences coding Cyn d I, or at least one fragment thereof or the functional equivalent of such nucleic acid sequences. The present invention also provides expression vectors comprising such nucleic acid sequences and host cells transformed therewith. The present invention further provides isolated Bermuda grass pollen protein allergen Cyn d I or fragments thereof. Isolated Bermuda grass pollen protein allergens or antigenic or allergenic fragments thereof are useful for diagnosing and treating sensitivity in an individual to Bermuda grass pollen allergens.

Abstract: The invention provides novel immune regulatory oligonucleotides (IRO) as antagonist of TLRs and methods of use thereof. These IROs have unique sequences that inhibit or suppress TLR-mediated signaling in response to a TLR ligand or TLR agonist. The methods may have use in the prevention and treatment of cancer, an autoimmune disorder, airway inflammation, inflammatory disorders, infectious disease, skin disorders, allergy, asthma or a disease caused by a pathogen.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a therapeutic agent for allergy which realizes enhancement of therapeutic efficacy and improvement in side effects such as anaphylaxis in a method for treating allergy by allergen administration (hyposensitization therapy). That is, the present invention provides the therapeutic agent for allergy comprising a liposome having on its surface an oligosaccharide capable of binding to a lectin derived from an antigen presenting cell and composed of 2 to 11 sugar residues, wherein an allergen is encapsulated in said liposome.

Abstract: A diagnostic pollen array includes allergens extracted from pollen coat material. Diagnostic pollen arrays are useful to diagnose allergy in individuals, identify novel allergens, identify genetic loci responsible for allergy in hosts, and to develop treatment plans for allergy.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods to identify polypeptide ligands for Toll-like Receptors (TLRs), such as TLR2, TLR4 and TLR5. The method involves the use of phage display technology in an iterative biopanning procedure. The invention also provides polypeptide TLR ligands identified by the methods of the invention. In preferred embodiments, the polypeptide TLR ligands so identified modulate TLR signaling and thereby regulate the Innate Immune Response. The invention also provides vaccines comprising a polypeptide TLR ligand identified by the methods of the invention and an antigen. The invention also provides methods of modulating TLR signaling using the polypeptide TLR ligands and vaccines of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chitin microparticles and their medical uses, in particular in the treatment of allergy, or the treatment of conditions that would benefit from an upregulation of the cell mediated immune system, or an up-regulation of natural killer (NK) cell activity and/or the secretion of interferon-? (IFN-?).

Abstract: The invention relates to TLR9 antagonist compounds and their therapeutic or prophylactic use. The invention provides novel immune regulatory oligonucleotides and immunomers as antagonist of TLRs and methods of use thereof. These immune regulatory oligonucleotides have unique sequences that suppress, without completely ablating, TLR-mediated signaling in response to a TLR ligand or TLR signaling agonist. The methods may have use in the prevention and treatment of autoimmunity, inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, allergy, asthma, infection, sepsis, cancer and immunodeficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to synthetic chemical compositions that are useful for modulation of Toll-Like Receptor (TLR)-mediated immune responses. In particular, the invention relates to agonists of Toll-Like Receptor 9 (TLR9) that generate unique cytokine and chemokine profiles.

Abstract: A substantially pure, isolated, antigenic protein from fungi of the genus Malassezia, characterized in that said antigenic protein has a binding ability to IgE antibodies from patients with allergoses; an antigenic fragment derived from the antigenic protein; and an antibody against the antigenic protein or fragments thereof. According to the present invention, there can be provided an isolated and purified antigenic protein having high purity from Malassezia, antigenic fragments thereof, and a specific antibody against those antigenic protein or fragments thereof. In addition, there can be provided a diagnostic agent, a therapeutic agent, or a prophylactic drug for Malassezia allergoses, wherein the agent includes, as an active ingredient, the antigenic protein or fragments thereof.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an hypoallergenic mosaic antigen derived from an allergen is disclosed whereby a) in a first step the allergen is split into at least two parts and the IgE reactivity of each part is determined and b) in a second step those parts of the allergen which have no detectable IgE reaction are combined to a mosaic antigen which comprises the amino acids of the allergen but the order of the amino acids of the mosaic antigen is different from that of the naturally occurring allergen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel allergen from house-dust mites, to polypeptides derived from said allergen and polynucleotides encoding the same. Furthermore, the invention provides antibodies directed against the allergen and to the use of the polypeptides, polynucleotides and/or antibodies in therapy and diagnosis of allergic disorders.

Abstract: A substantially pure, covalently linked human T cell reactive feline protein (TRFP) has been isolated from vacuum bag extract obtained by affinity purification of house dust collected from several homes with cats; DNA encoding all or a portion of the TRFP or peptide; compositions containing such a protein or peptide or portions thereof; and antibodies reactive with the TRFP or peptide are disclosed. Also disclosed are recombinant TRFP or peptide; modified or mutated TRFP peptides; their use for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hypoallergenic immunogenic molecule derived from the Phl p 6 allergen, wherein the Phl p6 molecule has an N-terminal and/or C-terminal deletion which makes the molecule at least substantially lack IgE binding capacity. The invention also relates to a hypoallergenic immunogenic combination of molecules derived from the Phl p 6 allergen, comprising (i) a Phl p 6 molecule having an N-terminal deletion which makes the molecule at least substantially lack IgE binding capacity, and (ii) a Phl p 6 molecule having a C-terminal deletion which makes the molecule at least substantially lack IgE binding capacity, which two molecules together encompass the complete sequence of Phl p 6. The invention further relates to the use of the hypoallergenic immunogenic molecule or molecule mixture in hyposensitization and diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing a peptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent wherein the peptide has a length of 8 to 50 amino acids, at least three preferably consecutive amino acids of the peptide are identical to at least three amino acids which appear in close vicinity on the molecular surface of an allergenic protein, and said at least three amino acids are solvent-exposed amino acids in the allergenic protein. The invention also concerns a method for the preparation of the pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to new immunomodulatory compositions which comprise a cationic condensing agent, an immunomodulatory compound, and a stabilizing agent. The compositions of the invention typically form particles which have increased immunomodulatory activity as compared to immunomodulatory compounds not formulated in the compositions of the invention. Also provided are methods of making the compositions and methods for therapeutic use of the compositions.

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 relates to a method for producing derivatives of wild-type protein allergens with reduced allergenic activity, characterized in by the following steps: providing a wild-type protein allergen with an allergenic activity, splicing said wild-type protein allergen into two parts, said two parts having a reduced allergenic activity or lacking allergenic activity and rejoining said two fragments in inverse orientation; as well as allergen derivatives.

Abstract: The invention relates to the therapeutic use of oligonucleotides as immune modulatory agents in immunotherapy applications. More particularly, the invention provides immune modulatory oligonucleotide compositions for use in methods for generating an immune response or for treating a patient in need of immune modulation. The immune modulatory oligonucleotides of the invention preferably comprise novel pyrimidines and purines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation and use of variants of the group 1 allergens of the Poaceae (sweet grasses) which are characterised by reduced IgE reactivity compared with the known wild-type allergens and at the same time by substantially maintained 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 preventive immunotherapy of grass pollen allergies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a homeopathically designed composition comprising effective amounts of Thussilago petasites (butterbur) and dilute amounts of Ambrosia artemisiifolia for the alleviation of symptoms of an allergy. According to various aspects, the present invention may further comprise combinations of Allium cepa, Echineacea angustifolia, Euphrasia officinalis (eyebright), Pulsatilla nigricans, Pothos foetidus, Ignatia amara (St Ignatius' bean), and Thuja occidentalis (Tree of Life) to synergistically and additionally alleviate the symptoms of an allergy.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a composition for the manufacture of a medicament comprising living or dead bacteria with controlled amounts of surface-coupled proteins or proteinaceous compounds and a method for the preparation of the composition. The bacterium provides a multivalent heterologous protein display vehicle that may be used in the manufacture of vaccines or medicaments for delivery via the mucosa.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunogenic composition for sublingual, perlingual or oral administration, comprising at least an antigen and at least an adjuvant that is a bacterium selected from a Bifidobacterium and a lactic acid bacterium, and/or a combination of a corticosteroid with vitamin D3 or any metabolite or analog of the latter, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier that is suitable for sublingual, perlingual, or oral administration. Such compositions allow to elicit antigen-specific immune tolerance.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to polypeptides derived from the timothy grass pollen allergen Phl p 7. The polypeptides display reduced allergen activity and are useful as allergy vaccines for treatment of sensitized allergic patients and for prophylactic vaccination.

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 invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing a target disease in a mammal by induction of memory T cells. The methods comprise (1) administering a sensitizing composition comprising a non-target antigen to a patient; and (2) administering a therapeutic composition comprising a non-target antigen and a target antigen to the patient, wherein the target antigen is associated with the disease, and wherein the therapeutic composition is administered after the sensitizing compositions, at an interval sufficient for induction of memory T cells. The methods can alternatively comprise administering a target antigen along with an inhibitory agent such as an inhibitor of DC apoptosis, an inhibitor of granzyme B, a Granzyme-B-inducible mediator of apoptosis, an inhibitor of perforin, or a perforin-inducible mediator of apoptosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new adjuvants and the uses in pharmaceutical compositions, like in vaccines. In particular, the present invention provides new compounds useful as adjuvants for prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccination in the treatment of infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, tumours, allergies as well as for the control of fertility in human or animal populations. The compounds are particularly useful not only as systemic, but preferably as mucosal adjuvants. In addition, the invention relates to its uses as active ingredients in pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for enhancing the response of a patient's immune system to vaccination. This is accomplished by reactivating the thymus. Optionally, hematopoietic stem cells, autologous, syngeneic, allogeneic or xenogeneic, are delivered to increase the speed of regeneration of the patient's immune system. In one embodiment the hematopoietic stem cells are CD34+. The patient's thymus is reactivated by disruption of sex steroid mediated signaling to the thymus. In one embodiment, this disruption is created by administration of LHRH agonists, LHRH antagonists, anti-LHRH receptor antibodies, anti-LHRH vaccines or combinations thereof.

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 invention provides allergen containing pharmaceutical products and in particular fast-dispersing solid allergen dosage forms. In particular, fast-dispersing, non-compressed solid dosage forms suitable for oromucosal administration comprising a matrix and at least one allergen are provided. Suitable matrices are gelatine, starch and mannitol. Methods for the dosage forms are also provided.

Abstract: Pollen is washed and cleaned, crushed and sterilized. Pollen particles are filtered through a filter device and the particles of less than 50 ?m of diameter are taken out. Then the pollen particles are thrown into electrolysis reducing water including active hydrogen and having reduction ability, and particles are blended in the electrolysis reducing water obtaining a flowing water after an adjustment of the mixture liquid. The flowing water is forcibly sent to a super-fine-particle making apparatus in order to make the active oxygen disappear by means of active hydrogen in the electrolysis reducing water, which active oxygen is generated during the super-fine-particle making process. Accordingly, the whole pollen, including shells of pollen, super-fined without deterioration of the pollen ingredient and the pollen ingredient can be extracted from the super-fined pollen particles.

Abstract: The invention provides allergen containing pharmaceutical products and in particular fast-dispersing solid allergen dosage forms. In particular, fast-dispersing, non-compressed solid dosage forms suitable for oromucosal administration comprising a matrix and at least one allergen are provided. Suitable matrices are gelatine, starch and mannitol. Methods for the dosage forms are also provided.