The United States of America, As Represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services

North Carolina State University

The United States of America As Represented by the Department of Health

Dean D Metcalfe

Brian M Martin

Glenn P Cruse

Pillarisetti V Roa

Methods for treating diseases and conditions mediated by the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc&#x3b5;RI). Antisense oligomers for modulating splicing of mRNA encoding the Fc&#x3b5;RI&#x3b2; protein, thereby down-regulating cell-surface expression of Fc&#x3b5;RI, and uses of the antisense oligomers for inhibiting mast cell degranulation, cytokine release, migration, and proliferation.

Compounds for modulating Fc-epsilon-RI-beta expression and uses thereof

A major heat-stable shrimp allergen is characterized as a 34 kDa protein corresponding to shrimp tropomyosin. Two IgE binding epitopes of this allergen have the sequences FLAEEADRK (SEQ ID NO: 1) and MQQLENDLDQVQESLLK (SEQ ID NO: 2), respectively. Surprisingly, both antigenic and allergenic activities of the allergen were found to be associated with these two peptide fractions. A-a-id antibodies recognized this allergen as well as a homologous 34 kDa allergen from lobster, prawn and crab, indicating that these antibodies recognize major cross-reacting IgE binding epitopes common to crustacea. The two epitopes are useful in the diagnosis and/or treatment of allergies, particularly in the desensitization of individuals that are allergic to shrimp and other crustacea. Variants and subfragments of the two epitopes display allergenicity, as assessed by reaction with allergen-specific IgE obtained from shrimp-sensitive patients.

Growing community of inventors

Bethesda, MD, United States of America

Dean D Metcalfe