Hypoallergenic derivatives of the immunodominant peanut allergen

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating peanut allergy. The compositions comprise chemically modified peanut allergen proteins selected from Ara h 1, h 2, h 3, h 6, h 8, and h 9, wherein the proteins are chemically crosslinked using a dialdehyde crosslinking agent and exhibit reduced IgE binding affinity. Methods of treatment comprise administering to a subject a composition containing at least one chemically crosslinked peanut allergen protein selected from Ara h 1, h 2, h 3, h 6, h 8, and h 9. The composition is administered in an amount effective to induce desensitization or immune tolerance to peanut allergens. The chemically modified peanut allergen proteins may be formulated in various dosage forms suitable for oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular or epicutaneous administration. The invention also encompasses compositions wherein the modified peanut allergen proteins are combined with excipients that enhance stability, delivery, or immunomodulatory properties.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.