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 pertains to a method for inducing tolerance to an antigenic material in an individual by administering a compound increasing the COX-2 (cyclo-oxygenase 2) activity in the individual's cells, in particular in cells involved in an immune reaction, and optionally also increasing the IFN-&ggr; level, and a material or antigenic parts thereof, to which the individual develops adverse immune reactions. The present invention further pertains to a food or pharmaceutical composition containing such compounds and the antigenic material or parts thereof. Still, the present invention also pertains to a novel ex vivo method for determining an individual's tendency to develop an allergic reaction to an particular material.

Abstract: The invention pertains to adjuvant and vaccine compositions of monophosphoryl lipid A, sugar and optionally an amine based surfactant, which when frozen and thawed or lyophilized and reconstituted reform a colloidal suspension having a light transmission of greater than or equal to 88% as measured spectrophotometrically.

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

Abstract: A 30 kDa ragweed complete pollen extract disulfide protein allergen has been purified from ragweed pollen. IgE immunoblots with sera of ragweed, walnut and ryegrass sensitive patients indicated that the 30 kDa protein is a major allergen. The 30 kDa protein finds use in allergy testing and immunotherapy regimens.

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 is related to a compound for the prevention and/or the treatment of allergy consisting of:

Abstract: The present invention is related to a compound for the prevention and/or the treatment of allergy consisting of: at least one allergen antigenic determinant which is recognized by a B cell or an antibody secreted by a B cell of a non-atopic individual to said allergen, and at least one antigenic determinant of an antigen different from said allergen which triggers T cell activation.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for inducing a desired T helper lymphocyte regulated immune response by delivering an immunogen to a preselected region of the gastrointestinal tract of a subject. The invention finds application in the immunological and biomedical fields.

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 towards said allergen will be developed in said patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel product and method for isolating ectoparasite saliva proteins, and a novel product and method for detecting and/or treating allergic dermatitis in an animal. The present invention also relates to ectoparasite saliva proteins, nucleic acid molecules having sequences that encode such proteins, and antibodies raised against such proteins. The present invention also includes methods to obtain such proteins and to use such proteins to identify animals susceptible to or having allergic dermatitis. The present invention also includes therapeutic compositions comprising such proteins and their use to treat animals susceptible to or having allergic dermatitis.

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

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: This invention is directed to methods of preventing or reducing the severity of asthma or the risk of development of same in an individual. The method relies on administration to the airways of the individual of an immunologically effective dose of a mycobacterium based vaccine. The mycobacteria are effective in inducing a Thl type immune response in the individual.

Abstract: Methods for assessing immunocompetence, cellular or humoral immunity, antigen exposure, or allergic conditions in an individual by accelerating diagnostic particles into a target skin site in the individual are provided.

Abstract: A novel antigenic protein which is effective for stimulating antibody production in animals against the sheep scab mite, Psoroptes ovis is disclosed. In cattle, administration of the protein provides protection from infestation by P. ovis by eliciting an immediate-type hypersensitivity response and/or immunizing the animal against P. ovis. The protein is also effective for producing and/or binding antibodies to P. ovis, and may be used as an immunodiagnostic reagent.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is provided a method for preventing or treating a disease associated with abnormal cell proliferation, or for modulating or controlling apoptosis, wherein the method comprises administering to a patient in need of such treatment an effective amount of at least one human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibiting compound, in particular ritonavir, saquinavir, or one of their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. The method will thus be especially useful in treating diseases resulting from abnormal cell proliferation such as cancer.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient sensitive to an allergen includes a desensitizing rapid immunotherapy protocol of administering to the patient a series of gradually increasing doses of a composition comprising the allergen at intervals of about 15 minutes for a duration of less than about 120 minutes, and preferably less than about 90 minutes. A pretreatment protocol administers to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of at least one composition that is effective in reducing a sensitivity of the patient to an asthma associated allergenic reaction.

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 provides methods of maintaining suppression of a Th2 immune response, and methods of maintaining an increase in a Th1 immune response in an individual. The methods generally involve administering to an individual an effective amount of a first dose of a composition comprising an immunomodulatory nucleic acid, and, after a suitable time, administering at least a second dose of a composition comprising an immunomodulatory nucleic acid.

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 invention relates to a medium for cultivating and producing mites, and especially mites belonging to at least one of the following species: Dematophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Blomia kulagini or tropicalis, Pyroglyphus africanus, and Euroglyphus maynei. This medium is free from human or animal elements or proteins and comprises, in effective amounts, a plurality of amino acids in particulate form with a particle size of less than 250 &mgr;m, or in lyophilised form.

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: 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: Disclosed are recombinant hybrid proteins having at least one antigenic peptide sequence introduced into a scaffold protein that retain a native conformation. Also disclosed are recombinant nucleic acids and vectors encoding the hybrid proteins. The hybrid proteins retain immunogenicity but exhibit reduced allergenicity. The hybrid proteins are therefore particularly useful for therapeutic treatment of allergy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating or preventing allergic responses, particularly anaphylactic allergic responses, in subjects who are allergic to allergens or susceptible to allergies. Methods of the present invention utilize administration of microorganisms to subjects, where the microorganisms produce allergens and protect the subjects from exposure to the allergens until phagocytosed by antigen-presenting cells. Particularly preferred microorganisms are gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, and yeast. Particularly preferred allergens are proteins found in foods, venoms, drugs and latex that elicit allergic reactions and anaphylactic allergic reactions in individuals who are allergic to the proteins or are susceptible to allergies to the proteins. The proteins may also be modified to reduce the ability of the proteins to bind and crosslink IgE antibodies and thereby reduce the risk of eliciting anaphylaxis without affecting T-cell mediated Th1-type immunity.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides having T cell stimulating activity termed recombitope peptides. Recombitope peptides of the invention preferably comprise at least two T cell epitopes derived from the same or from different protein antigens, and more preferably comprise at least two regions, each region preferably having human T cell stimulating activity and each region comprising at least one T cell epitope derived from a protein antigen. Recombitope peptides of the invention can be derived from protein allergens, autoantigens, or other protein antigens. The invention also provides methods of diagnosing sensitivity to a protein allergen or other protein antigen in an individual, methods to treat such sensitivity and therapeutic compositions comprising one or more recombitope peptides. The invention further provides methods for designing recombitope peptides of the invention where the protein antigen to which the individual is sensitive has unknown or ill-defined T cell epitopes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an isolated allergen component in a serological assay for improved precision in the identification of the actual sensitizer in diagnosis of allergy. This enables not only adequate measures for avoidance of the causative agent but also appropriate selection of treatment of the allergic disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of milk and milk-related products as a carrier or delivery vehicle for allergens in the process of oral tolerance induction. In one preferred embodiment, infants are subjected to primary oral tolerance through provision of a cocktail of allergens in infant milk formula. In another preferred embodiment, secondary oral tolerances is induced through administration of one or more allergens mixed with milk to a mammal of any age. The benefits of using milk as a carrier are evident from experiments which show that ovalbumin tolerance can effectively be induced in an allergic dog model at low dosages. A possible explanation for this is that milk stabilizes the allergen and presents it to the immune system in such a way that it is very potent in effecting a tolerance response.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient sensitive to an allergen includes a desensitizing rapid immunotherapy protocol of administering to the patient a series of gradually increasing doses of a composition comprising the allergen at intervals of about 15 minutes for a duration of less than about 120 minutes, and preferably less than about 90 minutes. A pretreatment protocol administers to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of at least one composition that is effective in reducing a sensitivity of the patient to an asthma associated allergenic reaction.

Abstract: Multimers of plant profilin or functionally equivalent peptides are a preferred form for diagnosis and treatment of allergies.

Abstract: A chemokine receptor binds to MCP-1, MIP-1&agr; and/or RANTES. It can be used in screening for agents which act as antagonists to MCP-1, MIP-1&agr; and/or RANTES. Such agents may be useful in treating various disorders, including allergies, atheromas and diseases mediated by viruses. They may also be useful in preventing graft rejection and in protecting stem cells from potentially damaging effects of chemotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid sequences coding for the ryegrass pollen allergens Lol pIa and Lol pIb, purified Lol pIa and Lol pIb protein and fragments thereof, methods of producing recombinant Lol pIa and Lol pIb or at least one fragment thereof or derivative or homologue thereof, and methods of using the nucleic acid sequences, proteins and peptides of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid sequences coding Cyn dI, 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 dI 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: 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: Isolated nucleic acids encoding allergens of the species Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, Der p VII and Der f VII, respectively, are disclosed. A cDNA encoding a peptide having a Der p VII activity and a predicted molecular weight of about 22, 177 daltons is described. A cDNA encoding a peptide having Der f VII activity is also described. The nucleic acids of the invention can be used as probes to detect the presence of Der p VII or Der f VII nucleic acid in a sample or for the recombinant production of peptides having a Der p VII or Der f VII activity. Peptides having a Der p VII or Der f VII activity can be used in compositions suitable for pharmaceutical administration or methods of diagnosing sensitivity to house dust mite allergens.

Abstract: Compositions are administered to block IgE binding to receptors and ultimately displace native IgE from mast cells and related cell types, to prevent the activation of these cells during an allergic response. The compositions consist of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for systemic or local administration and an amount of compound binding specifically to the Fc&egr;RI IgE binding sites, and more preferably, Fc&egr;RI and Fc&egr;RII IgE binding sites, to prevent activation and degranulation of mast cells in response to exposure to allergens. The compounds can consist of IgE molecules and fragments and modifications thereof, such as IgE fragments, humanized or single chain IgE antibodies or fragments thereof, IgE with a modified Fab, non-crosslinkable IgE, or peptidomimetics which bind to the same site on the receptor as the IgE, jointly referred to herein as “IgE fragments” unless otherwise stated.

Abstract: This invention relates to hepatitis B virus (“HBV”) core antigen particles that are characterized by multiple immunogen specificities. More particularly, the invention relates to HBV core antigen particles comprising immunogens, epitopes, or other related structures, crosslinked thereto by ligands which are HBV capsid-binding peptides that selectively bind to HBV core protein. Such particles may be used as delivery systems for a diverse range of immunogenic epitopes, including the HBV capsid-binding peptides, which advantageously also inhibit and interfere with HBV viral assembly by blocking the interaction between HBV core protein and HBV surface proteins. Mixtures of different immunogens and/or capsid-binding peptide ligands may be crosslinked to the same HBV core particle. Such resulting multicomponent or multivalent HBV core particles may be advantageously used in therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines and compositions, as well as in diagnostic compositions and methods using them.

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: A composition comprising: an organic chemical having a chemical group having a dipole moment of at least about 1.5 Debyes and a chemical linker selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids having 4 to 6 carbon atoms, an ethoxylated polyhydric alcohol, a polyvinyl pyrrolidone and a polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of about 600 to about 10,000, wherein the molar ratio of organic chemical to chemical linker is about 4:1 to 1:4.

Abstract: A recombinant DNA molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence (I) which codes for a polypeptide displaying the antigenicity of one, two or more of the Phl p I epitope clones (28, 34, 41, 42, 43, 50, 52, 64, 80, 85, 86, 95, 97, 98, 103, 108, 109, 113, 114) with the amino acid sequences defined in FIG. 2 and preferably being derived from grasses or monocotyledonic plants, or a nucleotide sequence (II) which hybridizes with such a nucleotide sequence (I) under conditions of high stringency. Polypeptides displaying the antigenicity of one, two or more of the Phl p I epitope clones (28, 34, 41, 42, 43, 50, 52, 64, 80, 85, 86, 95, 97, 98, 103, 108, 109, 113, 114) with the amino acid sequences defined in FIG. 2 +L. Recombinant expression vectors containing the recombinant molecule and host cells transformed with the vector. Diagnostic methods based on utilizing the polypeptides in immunoassays for humoral antibodies and cellular reactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antigenic preparations comprising polysaccharides and/or glycopeptides preparable from keratinophilic fungi as well as yeasts, processes 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: An agent comprising a mucosa-binding molecule linked to a specific microbial antigen is disclosed. Further, a method of inducing immnunological tolerance in an individual against a specific microbial antigen, including hapten, which causes an unwanted immune response in said individual, comprising administration by a mucosal route of an immunologically effective amount of an immunological tolerance-inducing agent of the invention to said individual, is described.

Abstract: Antigen E or Amb a I of ragweed pollen has been shown to be a family or families of proteins. cDNAs encoding Amb a I, the major human allergen of ragweed and Amb a II, peptides derived from Amb a I or Amb a II, antibodies against the peptides; and methods of treating individuals for sensitivity to ragweed are disclosed.

Abstract: Antigen E or Amb a I of ragweed pollen has been shown to be a family or families of proteins. cDNAs encoding Amb a I, the major human allergen of ragweed and Amb a II, peptides derived from Amb a I or Amb a II, antibodies against the peptides; and methods of treating individuals for sensitivity to ragweed are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preventing allergic disease in an individual susceptible to such disease, comprising administering an allergen to which the individual has not been sensitized previously. The allergen is administered in a dose and form effective to establish a stable population of allergen-specific T-helper-1-like memory lymphocytes capable of inhibiting activity or amplification of allergen-specific T-helper-2-like lymphocytes responsible for stimulating production of IgE antibodies specific for the allergen. Compositions for use in the method of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device, preferably in the form of a skin patch, is disclosed for usage in the delivery of a contactant to human skin for the purpose of treating medical conditions responsive to contact immunotherapy, without the presence of medication to alleviate contact dermatitis induced by the contactant. The skin patch specifically induces a cell-mediated contact dermatitis in the treatment of skin disorders. Its anticipated use pertains to treatment of, for example, human papilloma virus infections, or warts. In a first embodiment, a pressure activated single chambered skin patch is topically applied and used for controlled release of contactant to human skin. In a second embodiment, a pressure activated two-chambered skin patch is topically applied and used for controlled release of a contactant to human skin. Alternatively, a single chambered skin patch is topically applied and hydrated by the contacted skin for release of contactant.

Abstract: A method for producing a T cell having tolerance to an allergen or antigen which method comprises incubating the T cell with an antigen presenting cell (APC) in the presence of (i) a composition capable of upregulating expression of an endogenous Notch ligand in the APC and (ii) the allergen or antigen is provided.

Abstract: An immunological tolerance-inducing agent comprising a mucosa-binding molecule linked to a specific tolerogen is disclosed. Further, a method of inducing immunological tolerance in an individual against a specific antigen, including hapten, which causes an unwanted immune response in said individual comprising administration by a mucosal route of an immunologically effective amount of an immunological tolerance-inducing agent of the invention to said individual, is described.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pharmaceutical and/or food composition comprising a suitable pharmaceutical and/or food vehicle and a heat shock protein and at least conformation or sequential epitopes of an antigenic structure inducing a graft versus host, an allergic or autoimmune reaction.