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 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: A nucleic acid construct comprising a chimeric promoter sequence and a cloning site for insertion of a coding sequence in operable linkage with the chimeric promoter, wherein the chimeric promoter sequence comprises: (a) a hCMV immediate early promoter sequence; (b) exon 1 and at least a part of exon 2 of the hCMV major immediate early gene; and (c) a heterologous intron provided in place of the intron A region of the hCMV major immediate early gene.

Abstract: Methods for desensitization of a mammal suffering from IgE mediated allergy comprise the steps of: administering to said mammal a therapeutically effective amount of an immunogenic and hypoallergenic composition which comprises (i) a Phi p 6 molecule having an N-terminal truncation which makes the molecule at least lack IgE binding capacity, and/or (ii) a Phi p 6 molecule having a C-terminal truncation which makes the molecule at least lack IgE binding capacity, wherein the molecules of (i) and (ii), if employed in combination, together span the complete sequence of Phl p 6, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: An agent for treating or preventing allergic disease comprising, as an active ingredient, a treated product of peanut seed coats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel recombinant protein variants that are useful as immunotherapeutic components. Also the present invention relates to DNA sequences encoding said protein variants as well as compositions comprising said protein variants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel adjuvant Mycobacterium w and or its constituents and adjuvant containing composition, which contains antigen (s) with pharmaceutical acceptable carrier and its uses. Mycobacterium w and or its constituents when administered with antigen (s) to mammal results in enhanced immunogenicity of antigen. The enhanced immunogenicity manifests as humoral responses as well as cell mediated immunity. The adjuvant effect is seen with variety of antigens in various mammals irrespective of their immune status at the time of administration of Mycobacterium w and antigen containing composition. e.g. immune naïve or preimmunised status.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for preparing an extract for the treatment of allergic diseases, in which process no heat is supplied during all of the preparation process, an extract which has been prepared by this process, and the use of this extract for preparing a medicament.

Abstract: Provided is a composition comprising a phosphatidyl serine receptor ligand for use in immune therapy. The composition may include an antigen or allergen together with the phosphatidyl serine receptor ligand. The compositions may be used for any type of immune therapy, such as immune modulation to an environmental antigen or allergen, down regulation of immune hypersensitivity reactions, and stimulation of antigen or allergen specific IgA and/or IgG4.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a conjugate comprising a first and a second polypeptide, said method comprising the steps of (a) incubating said first polypeptide in the presence of a heterobifunctional crosslinker comprising an N-hydroxylsuccinimide ester group and a maleimide group linked via a polyethylene oxide spacer; (b) removing excess heterobifunctional crosslinker; and (c) incubating the reaction product of step (b) with said second polypeptide, wherein said second polypeptide comprises at least one sulfhydryl group. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a conjugate obtainable by the method of the present invention. Also described is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the conjugate of the present invention and, optionally, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or diluent, and the use of the conjugate for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and/or treating an allergic disease or an autoimmune disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel allergen from timothy grass (Phleum pretense) pollen, Phl p11 as disclosed in SEQ ID NO:2, and use thereof as a reagent and in a diagnositic kit as well as for immunotherapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification and characterization of a grass-pollen allergen, and to the recombinant DNA molecule encoding therefore, and to corresponding DNA and peptide sequences.

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: Methods are provided for the treatment of allergic and other immune disorders associated with overproduction of Th2 type cytokines by antigen specific T cells. Immunotherapy with adjuvants, as provided in the present invention, greatly inhibits the development of airway hyperreactivity and airway inflammation. Such immunotherapy is shown to reverse ongoing airway disease, and convert allergic inflammatory responses into protective immune responses. Conditions of particular interest include allergic conditions associated with production of Th2 cytokines and/or IgE antibodies, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and anaphylactic reactions. The addition of adjuvant induces a Th1-type immune response and can redirect an established Th2-type response to a Th1-type response for the selected antigen. Preferably, antigen-specific IgE production is reduced without altering the intensity of the antigen-specific proliferative response.

Abstract: The use of an agent in the manufacture of a medicament to affect an allergic condition and/or a hypersensitivity condition is described. The agent is capable of modulating a ganglioside associated activity. The agent is not coupled to an antigen. The modulation of the ganglioside associated activity affects an allergic condition and/or a hypersensitivity condition.

Abstract: Conjugates of nonimmunogenic valency platform molecules and analogs of immunogens that possess the specific B cell binding ability of the immunogen but lack T cell epitopes and which, when introduced into individuals, induce humoral anergy to the immunogen are disclosed. Accordingly, these conjugates are useful for treating antibody-mediated pathologies that are caused by foreign or self immunogens.

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

Abstract: Conjugates of nonimmunogenic valency platform molecules and analogs of immunogens that possess the specific B cell binding ability of the immunogen but lack T cell epitopes and which, when introduced into individuals, induce humoral anergy to the immunogen are disclosed. Accordingly, these conjugates are useful for treating antibody-mediated pathologies that are caused by foreign or self immunogens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high molecular weight Dermatophagoides proteins, nucleic acid molecules encoding such proteins, and therapeutic and diagnostic reagents derived from such proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated peptides of Lol p V, a major protein allergen of the species Lolium perenne. Therapeutic peptides within the scope of the invention comprise at least one T cell epitope, or preferably at least two T cell epitopes of a protein allergen of Lol p V. Diagnostic peptides within the scope of the invention bind IgE. The invention also provides modified peptides having similar or enhanced therapeutic properties or other desirable properties as the corresponding, naturally-occurring allergen or portion thereof. The invention further provides nucleic acid sequences coding for peptides of the invention. Use of the therapeutic compositions comprising one or more peptides of the invention in the manufacture of medicaments for treating sensitivity to Lol p V or an allergen immunologically related to Lol p V, or for general ryegrass sensitivity in an individual, is also provided.

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 present invention is drawn to an immunogen derived from a protein allergen, which is a) a non-anaphylactic immunogenic recombinant fragment of the protein allergen which contains an IgG epitope partly but not wholly overlapping an IgE epitope of the protein allergen; b) a polymeric form of the fragment, in which the fragment constitutes the monomeric units; or c) a non-anaphylactic recombinant polymeric form of the protein allergen having 2–10 monomeric units, in which the protein allergen constitutes the monomeric units. The present invention is further drawn to the use of the immunogen for in vitro diagnoses of type I allergy and hyposensitization.

Abstract: This invention provides combinations of a tolerance-inducing antigen such as insulin and a mucosal binding component that preferably binds ganglioside GM1. The components are present in a non-covalent arrangement. When administered to a mucosal surface, the combinations are effective in inducing specific immunological tolerance at a 10-fold lower dose than antigen alone. Tolerance is sustained for a number of weeks without the necessity of booster administrations. The compositions and procedures of this invention are of benefit for the prevention or amelioration of conditions attributable to an unwanted immunological response.

Abstract: An animal suitable as a model for an allergic disorder, wherein the animal is an immuno-modulated animal which has been sensitized with an antigen under a specific pathogen free environment such that when the animal displays allergy symptoms caused by the antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigenic preparations comprising polysaccharides and/or glycopeptides preparable from keratinophilic fungi as well as yeasts, process for the preparation of these antigenic preparations, their use as pharmaceutical substances as well as their use as vaccines, including but not limited to, the prophylaxis and treatment of allergy, as well as for modulating the immune response.

Abstract: Thioredoxin, a small dithiol protein, is a specific reductant for allergenic proteins and particularly allergenic proteins present in pollen and animal and plant sources. All targeted proteins contain disulfide (S—S) bonds that are reduced to the sulfhydryl (SH) level by thioredoxin. The proteins are allergenically active and less digestible in the oxidized (S—S) state. When reduced (SH state), they lose their allergenicity and/or become more digestible. Thioredoxin achieved this reduction when activated (reduced) either by NADPH via NADP-thioredoxin reductase (physiological conditions) or by lipoic acid chemical reductant. Skin tests carried out with sensitized dogs showed that treatment of the pollens with reduced thioredoxin prior to injection eliminated or decreased the allergenicity of the pollen. Studies showed increased digestion of the pollen proteins by pepsin following reduction by thioredoxin.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to methods and products for initiating an immune response against an antigen, and in particular relates to transepithelial delivery of antigens to provoke tolerance and immunity. The present invention further relates to methods and products for the transepithelial delivery of therapeutics. In particular, the invention relates to methods and compositions for the delivery of therapeutics conjugated to a FcRn binding partner to intestinal epithelium, mucosal epithelium and epithelium of the lung. The present invention further relates to the synthesis, preparation and use of the FcRn binding partner conjugates as, or in, pharmaceutical compositions for oral systemic delivery of drugs and vaccines.

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

Abstract: Hypoallergenic variants of the major allergen Ph1 p 1 of Phleum pratense plants and their use in the therapy of the allergic diseases is disclosed.

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 peptides 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: A peptide-based immunotherapeutic agent effective for every allergy patient is provided. A reagent for typing HLA class II molecules of the patient to be used in selecting a peptide-based immunotherapeutic agent effective for every allergy patient is also provided. The peptide-based immunotherapeutic agent enables the optimal peptide-based immunotherapy for each patient, so that a marked improvement in peptide-immunotherapy can be expected. The peptide-based immunotherapeutic agent is also effective for patients who cannot be treated by peptide-based immunotherapy using major antigen peptide recognized in a particular patient population. Furthermore, the peptide-based immunotherapeutic agent enables simple and easy typing of HLA class II molecules of allergy patients.

Abstract: An allergen and blocking sorbent for topical application to the skin comprising a surface-modified layered material, such as an intercalated clay, dispersed in a cosmetically acceptable solvent. The organic surface modifier is an organic molecule that contains a substantial dipole moment sufficient to bond, through ion-dipole interactions, with an exchangeable cation on the inner surface of adjacent clay platelets. Suitable organic surface modifiers include aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, alcohols, phenols, ethers, catecols, lactams, lactones and pyrrolidones. The preferred layered material useful in this invention includes the entire family of smectite type clays. The composition is topically applied to the skin to absorb or adsorb (hereinafter “sorb” or “sorbent”) via intercalation between spaced layers of the layered material, and block allergenic organic compounds from plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, thus preventing skin rashes.

Abstract: A method and strip for treating allergen-induced airway inflammation. The method includes applying a nasal or skin strip containing a mixture of an allergen and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to an individual having allergen-induced airway inflammation in a manner consistent with local nasal immunotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of the major OprI lipoprotein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to elicit a Type-1 immune response towards a heterologous antigen. The invention relates specifically to the use of OprI—antigen fusion proteins to elicit the Type-1 response. More particularly, the present invention is directed to pharmaceutical formulations comprising OprI and/or OprI fusion proteins, optionally together with a suitable excipient, to stimulate the Th1 dependent, cellular immune response.

Abstract: The invention relates to modified recombinant allergen mutants which can be obtained from recombinant allergens which are derived from allergens which can be obtained by extraction from natural raw materials such as pollen of the species Phleum pratense. While these modified recombinant allergens stimulate lymphocytes from patients who are allergic to pollent to proliferate and synthesize cytokines, they exhibit a markedly diminished ability to bind to the IgE antibodies which are present in the serum of the T lymphocyte donors and to grass pollen allergen-specific IgEs and can therefore be used for a specific, made-to-release allergy therapy.

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 allergies; 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 allergies, wherein the agent includes, as an active ingredient, the antigenic protein or fragments thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel methods and compositions for producing hyper and hypo allergenic compositions. Specifically, the present invention comprises neutralizing or reducing the ability of T-cells to recognize epitopes and thus prevent sensitization of an individual to the protein. Alternatively, T-cell epitopes are mutated to produce increased immunogenic reactions.

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: The present invention relates to a novel methods and compositions for producing hyper and hypo allergenic compositions. Specifically, the present invention comprises neutralizing or reducing the ability of T-cells to recognize epitopes and thus prevent sensitization of an individual to the protein. Alternatively, T-cell epitopes are mutated to produce increased immunogenic reactions. Moreover, naturally occuring proteins are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of desensitising a patient to a polypeptide allergen the method comprising administering to the patient a peptide derived from the allergen wherein restriction to a MHC Class II molecule possessed by the patient can be demonstrated by the peptide and the peptide is able to induce a late phase response in an individual who possesses the said MHC Class II molecule. A composition comprising a plurality of peptides derived from a polypeptide allergen wherein for at least one of the peptides in the composition restriction to a MHC Class II molecule can be demonstrated, and the composition is able to induce a late phase response in an individual possessing the given MHC Class II moleculeis also provided. The invention also relates to a method of selecting a peptide for use as an immunotherapeutic agent for desensitising a patient to a polypeptide allergen capable of eliciting an allergic response in the patient.

Abstract: One of the major peanut allergens, Ara h I, was selected from cDNA expression library clones using Ara h I specific oligo-nucleotides and polymerase chain reaction technology. The Ara h I clone identified a 2.3 kb mRNA species on a Northern blot containing peanut poly A+RNA. DNA sequence analysis of the cloned inserts revealed that the Ara h I allergen has significant homology with the vicilin seed storage protein family found in most higher plants. The isolation of the Ara h I clones allowed the synthesis of this protein in E. coli cells and subsequent recognition of this. recombinant protein in immunoblot analysis using serum IgE from patients with peanut hypersensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of calcium phosphate particles in formulation with allergens for allergic desensitization. Particularly, the invention relates to novel calcium phosphate core particles, particularly nano- and micron-sized particles, as allergen adjuvants and in compositions for inducing allergic desensitization. Methods of making such particles and to methods of inducing a specific immune response using the particles of this invention are also provided.

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-&ggr; (IFN-&ggr;).

Abstract: Variants of allergens of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus species with reduced allergenic activity.

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: The present invention provides novel protein named Api m 6. Api m 6 was identified in bee venom and is found in four isoforms, each about 8 kD. The purified Api m 6 can be used to modulate immune responses, e.g., in individuals hypersensitive to bee venom.

Abstract: The modulation or elimination of an allergic condition according to the invention can be achieved by injecting small amounts of allergen directly into a lymph node, which greatly reduces the potential for side effects.

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 provides a monomolecular multi-epitope peptide prepared by binding T cell epitope regions derived from different allergen molecules with each other. A peptide-based immunotherapeutic agent containing an effective amount of the multi-epitope peptide can treat a wide range of allergic diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a process for obtaining a composition comprising peptides bound to one or more heat shock protein(s) and for possibly recovering from said composition the bound peptides, wherein the peptides resulting from a previously in-vitro hydrolysis of at least one immunogenic and antigenic macromolecular structure, are mixed in-vitro with one or more heat shock protein(s). The present invention is also related to the compositions obtained by said process.