Yeda Research and Develpment & Co. Ltd

Israel Pecht

Edna Mozes

Michael Tal

Marcelo D Guthmann

Stefan Hemmerich

Anna Erdei

Nachman Mazurek

Peptides corresponding partially or entirely to positions 50-77 of the sequence of the complement-derived peptide C3 and analogs thereof are capable of inhibiting IgE-mediated triggering and/or the Fc&egr;RI-induced secretory response of mucosal mast cells. These peptides are useful for prevention and/or treatment of allergic disorders caused by IgE mediated (Type I) hypersensitivity where mucosal-type mast cells are involved, such as hay fever, asthma, some cases of urticaria or allergic conjunctivitis.

Peptides derived fram complement peptide C3a sequence and antiallergic compositions comprising them

DNA molecule encoding a mast cell function-associated antigen (MAFA)

As assay for the measurement of direct binding of a peptide that is a T-cell epitope to gene products of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), classes I and II, on the surface of intact living antigen-presenting cells, is provided. The assay comprises incubating the labelled peptide with the cells, and monitoring the extent of binding by the addition of a probe that reacts with the ligand used to label the peptide. The assay is suitable for autoimmune diseases and other immunological disorders. Peptides having a sequence corresponding to a stretch of the sequence of the antigen relevant to an immunological disorder, or modifications thereof, which bind to gene products of MHC, but do not stimulate T-cells, are also useful for the treatment of said disorders.

Assay for direct binding of peptides that are T-cell epitopes to MHC

Substantially pure cromolyn binding protein is prepared by means of affinity chromatography of cromolyn derivatives bound to insoluble matrices. Aminocromolyn is prepared by a six-step synthesis and amine derivatives thereof are prepared by conventional means. Obtaining a compound having an amine group instead of the OH group at the 2-carbon of the propane link of cromolyn permits many kinds of reactions without interfering with the portion of the cromolyn molecule with causes its pharmacological activity. The cromolyn derivatives can be conjugated to proteins such as BSA by means of glutaraldehyde cross-linking and such conjugates can be covalently bound to agarose beads. Cromolyn binding protein can be isolated by passing lysates of RBL-2H3 cells through chromatographic columns packed with such beads. The cromolyn binding protein can be further purified by means of lectin-agarose columns.

Cromolyn binding protein in highly purifed form, and methods for the

According to the present invention there is provided an essentially pure protein found in nature in mast cells and in basophiles, which protein is involved in the transfer of calcium into such cells. Such a protein has an isoelectric point of about 3.9 and a MW about 60,000.+-.2,000, and has an amino acid composition as herein defined. There are also provided processes for the preparation of such purified protein. Such protein is of use in blocking histamine release from cells.

Growing community of inventors

Rehovot, Israel

Israel Pecht