Immunostimulatory nucleic acid molecules
Nucleic acids containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides and therapeutic utilities based on their ability to stimulate an immune response and to redirect a Th2 response to a Th1 response in a subject are disclosed. Methods for treating atopic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, are disclosed.
1 - 18 . (canceled)
19 . A composition comprising
an immunostimulatory nucleic acid of 8 to 40 nucleotides in length comprising wherein C and G are unmethylated and X 1 , X 2 , X 3 , and X 4 and an allergen.
20 . The composition of claim 19 , wherein the allergen is pollen.
21 . The composition of claim 19 , wherein the allergen is a plant allergen.
22 . The composition of claim 19 , wherein the allergen is an animal allergen.
23 . The composition of claim 19 , wherein the allergen is a drug.
24 . The composition of claim 19 , wherein the allergen is a protein.
25 . The composition of claim 24 , wherein the protein is specific to the Canine genus.
26 . The composition of claim 24 , wherein the protein is specific to the Felis genus.
27 . The composition of claim 19 , wherein the allergen is animal dander.
28 . The composition of claim 19 , wherein the allergen is insect venom.
29 . The composition of claim 19 , wherein the allergen induces allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
30 . The composition of claim 19 , wherein the allergen induces urticaria (hives).
31 . The composition of claim 19 , wherein the allergen induces eczema.
32 . The composition of claim 19 , wherein the immunostimulatory nucleic acid does not include a GCG trinucleotide at a 5′ and/or 3′ terminal.
33 . The composition of claim 19 , wherein the immunostimulatory nucleic acid includes a phosphorothioate backbone modification.
34 . The composition of claim 32 , wherein the immunostimulatory nucleic acid includes a phosphorothioate backbone modification.
35 . A method for desensitizing a subject against the occurrence of an allergic reaction in response to contact with an allergen comprising
administering to the subject an effective amount of the composition of claim 19 .
36 . A method for desensitizing a subject against the occurrence of an allergic reaction in response to contact with an allergen comprising
administering to the subject an effective amount of the composition of claim 20 .
37 . A method for desensitizing a subject against the occurrence of an allergic reaction in response to contact with an allergen comprising
administering to the subject an effective amount of the composition of claim 22 .
38 . A method for desensitizing a subject against the occurrence of an allergic reaction in response to contact with an allergen comprising
administering to the subject an effective amount of the composition of claim 24 .