WO2014195803A2

WO2014195803A2 - Contiguous overlapping peptides for treatment of house dust mites allergy

Info

Publication number: WO2014195803A2
Application number: PCT/IB2014/001888
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander KETTNER; Christophe Reymond
Original assignee: Anergis S.A.
Priority date: 2013-06-06
Filing date: 2014-06-06
Publication date: 2014-12-11
Also published as: EP3003366B1; JP2018058856A; AU2014276484A1; DK3003366T3; CN105307679A; RU2015155874A; HK1223019A1; EP3003366A2; JP2016523231A; JP6300907B2; US20150050301A1; CA2914037A1; ES2828448T3; WO2014195803A3; JP6640818B2; BR112015030644A2; AU2014276484B2

Abstract

Contiguous overlapping peptides (COPs) for the treatment of allergic patients by Specific Immunotherapy (SIT) are provided from the sequence of the major allergens of house dust mites Der p 1 and Der p 2. Such peptides while providing all potential T cell epitopes are devoid of the three dimensional structure of the original allergen, therefore reducing their ability to bind IgE. As a result increased amounts of COPs can be administered per injection, therefore reducing both the number of injections and the length of the immunotherapy treatment.

Description

CONTIGUOUS OVERLAPPING PEPTIDES FOR TREATMENT OF HOUSE DUST

MITES ALLERGY

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on U.S Provisional Application Serial No. 61/831,961 filed June 6, 2013 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED

ELECTRONICALLY

[0002] Incorporated by reference in its entirety is a computer-readable amino acid sequence listing submitted concurrently herewith and identified as follows: ASCII text file named Filename: 47712A_SeqListing.txt; Size: 20,103 bytes; Created: June 5, 2014.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to contiguous overlapping peptides (COPs) derived from the Der p 1 and Der p 2 house dust mite major allergens and the use of such compounds in medicine. The compounds and methods of treatment of the invention are contemplated to be useful in treating house dust mite allergy and widely accelerating its treatment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] IgE- mediated allergic disease appears to be very common particularly in industrialized countries where up to one quarter of the population is affected by allergic rhinitis [1]. Furthermore people suffering from allergic rhinitis show a lower quality of life than healthy ones [2], with only a few going into remission spontaneously.

[0005] House Dust Mites allergy is widely distributed worldwide and about 50% of the allergic population in the US and Europe suffers from allergy to house dust mites for review see [3]. House dust mites (HDM) belong predominantly to two species Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and Dermatophagoides farinae. Treatment against HDM allergy can be based on the major allergens of one of the two species since the major HDM allergens of D.

pteronyssinus and D. farinae, Der p 1/ Der f 1 and Der p 2/ Der f 2 share over 80% sequence identity. Der p 1 shares 83% sequence identity with Der f 1 leading to highly cross-reactive human IgE antibody and T cell responses between these two species. In particular, preincubation of allergic patients' serum with Der f 1 has been found to prevent binding of Der p 1 to HDM IgE antibodies, even though different binding affinities were reported. Der p 2and Der f 2 (88% sequence identity) have been found to prevent binding of their counterparts very effectively. T cell proliferation was also found to be equally induced by D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae peptides. Allergens from the two species are not fully interchangeable however, since fewer peptides from Der f 1 than from Der p 1 were able to stimulate T cell proliferation for example.

[0006] Possible interchangeable use of allergens from different species has been indicated by immunotherapy results of a study conducted with D. pteronyssinus in Italian regions where the sensitizing species is D. farinae which did not differ markedly from those conducted in England with D. pteronyssinus for D. pteronyssinus sensitization or those conducted in South Korea with D. farinae for D. farinae. The results in Italy also did not differ from those conducted with a mixture of extracts as reviewed by Thomas [3] . Thus major allergens from D. pteronyssinus can be considered as the basis for an efficacious product at least against both D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae and possibly other house dust mite species.

[0007] Multiple allergen sequences have been described in HDM allergy, as found in the NCBI Nucleotide and protein databases. The allergens can be allocated to at least 7 groups related in sequence to known proteins, namely:

[0008] Der p 1, Cystein protease (peptidase CIA family)

[0009] Der p 2, MD2 like lipid binding protein, TLR 4 binding

[0010] Der p 3, trypsin-like serine protease

[0011] Der p 4, alpha-amylase

[0012] Der p 5, Bio t 5 (Blomia tropicalis, a storage mite)

[0013] Der p 6, chymo trypsin like (SI peptidase domain)

[0014] Der p 7, a secreted glycoprotein

[0015] In Europe, 97% of the subjects allergic to HDM can be diagnosed using a mix of

Der p 1 and Der p 2, whereas 50% of the patients react also to additional allergens of the Der p family [4]. In Brazil, about 87% of HDM prick positive patients with allergic rhinitis, were found to contain IgE recognizing Der p 1, Der p 2 or both allergens [5]. A study in Australia [6] shows that about 50% of anti HDM IgE antibodies bind to Der p 1 and Der p 2 and a further 30% was equally contributed by Der p 4, 5 and 7. Thus reactivity to Der p 1 and Der p 2 clearly dominates in the allergic population, indicating that a product based on Der p 1 and Der p 2 allergens may treat a vast majority of patients. [0016] Der p 1 sequences and IgE epitopes

[0017] Der p 1 variants have been described indicating some polymorphism [7]. A BLAST search using the Swiss-Prot sequence P08176.2, revealed a number of protein sequences within the NCBI databases. Most variations were found in Der f 1 sequences and were located to 5 predominant positions, namely 123, 132, 150, 152 and 204 (coordinates referred to Swiss-Prot P08176.2). Polymorphism was also described using RT-PCR on a panel of sequences of the groups 1 and 2 allergens from both D. pteronys sinus and D. farinae isolated from homes in Bangkok [8]. Taken together these results indicate that the most predominant Der p 1 is the sequence referenced in Swiss-Prot P08176.2 , also identical to Der p 1.0105 [8].

[0018] The Der p 1 protein is a cysteine protease (Peptidase of the CI superfamily) of 320 amino acids. The first 18 amino acids have properties of a signal peptide, whereas the next amino acids from R19 to E98 are present in the pro-protein and do contain a protease inhibitor domain 129. Mature Der p 1 is composed of 222 amino acids (T 99 to L320) and three crystal structures had been determined (PDB 1XKG, 2AS8 and 3F5V).

[0019] When searching the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB) for Der p 1, 35 epitopes were found. 24 B cell epitopes were described which were determined either by antigen competition, Western blotting, ELISA, Ig histamine release, or radio-immuno assay [9]; [10];

[11]; [12]. Combining these potential epitopes allowed delineating four main regions with boundaries located at N150 to H170; V187 to R202; C215 to Q231; Y263 to Y299.

[0020] IgE epitopes are mostly conformational and thus difficult to map. Monoclonal antibodies raised against either Der p 1 or Der f 1 are mostly species-specific. However, antibody 4C1 against Der f 1 binds also Der p 1 and the epitopes for the monoclonal antibody (mAb) and human IgE antibodies were found to overlap as determined by crystal structures of the complex [13]. Co-crystallization of 4C1 with Der p 1 and Der f 1 indicated residues Dl 13, R115, Q116, R118, R154, 1156, Q279, Y283, D296, Y299, Y301 possibly involved in IgE binding.

[0021] mAb W108 not only inhibited the binding of Der p 1 with IgE antibodies but also its cysteine proteinase activity [14]. Three peptides were identified by LC-MS after protease digestion of the W108/Der p 1 complex (aa 209-224; 227-243 and 260-287) which did not overlap with two peptide segments of Der p 1 found to bind most directly to mAb W108 (aa 151-197 and 286-320). These results demonstrate the complexity of mapping IgE epitopes even when using monoclonal antibodies.

[0022] Summarizing data from the literature allowed to identify four regions of Der p lwith potential for binding to IgE, namely N150-H170, V187-R202, C215-Q231 and G274- D291. The reported experiments show that splitting these four domains of Der p lwas not sufficient, since an additional region between R 149 to R254 had to be interrupted to remove residual IgE binding.

[0023] Der p 2 sequences and IgE epitopes

[0024] Der p 2 seems to be very polymorphic with 15 described variants, including the best characterized versions Der p2.0101, 0103, 0104, 0107 and 0108 [15]. According to [8], Der p 2 showed frequent variations with clusters of amino acid substitutions, but the canonical Der p 2.0101 was not found in any of the 17 sequences. Der f 2 showed variants with clusters of substitutions similar to Der p 2 but in different amino acid positions and without any structural concordance.

[0025] According to [16], both variants, Der p 2.0101 and Der p 2.0104 were the most active for T cell stimulation, whereas other less common variants, namely 0107 and 0108 showed consistent differences demonstrating that changes in the sequence could change the cytokine response. According to [15], Der p 2 isoforms 0103 and 0104 seem to be bound with a higher affinity to a series of recombinant IgEs obtained by phage display. These two isoforms combined with the rlgEs showed accordingly a better ability to trigger degranulation in a reconstitution assay. However, all Der p 2 isoforms were able to trigger degranulation in presence of polyclonal sera from allergic patients. Taking into consideration the above results, in particular T cell response and high affinity for selected rlgE clones, the Der p 2.0104 variant (GenBank AFJ68067.1 was chosen for product definition.

[0026] Different techniques have been used in an attempt to determine IgE epitopes, including Hydrogen Exchange Nuclear Magnetic Resonance [17] and Mimotopes [18]. Three major regions seem to be involved located on the surface of the molecule, namely N71-C78, V94-K100 and LI 11-Gl 15 (numbering according to GenBank AFJ68067.1 sequence). The last two regions include residues identified in the IEDB database as being part of possible IgE epitopes [7]; However, no definitive epitope mapping was proposed due to the 3D binding specificity of IgEs.

[0027] Hypoallergenic allergy vaccines [0028] The only treatment directed to the cause of IgE-mediated allergy is specific immunotherapy (SIT). The treatment consists in injecting increasing doses of allergens for extended periods of time (three to five years) to induce tolerance in the allergic patient.

Several studies showed the benefit of this therapy on the allergic response, in particular upon long-term treatment [19], [20]. However, a number of side effects were observed particularly during ultra-rush therapies, where up to 30% of the patients have to be treated for allergic symptoms during the course of therapy [21]. There is thus a strong medical need for an alternative to SIT in the form of a shorter treatment with acceptable safety.

[0029] Different approaches have been tested to improve the safety and efficacy of SIT. Formulations or existing extracts have been improved by adding adjuvants, like MPL

(Allergy Therapeutics) [22], DNA sequences [23], or bacteriophage combined with CpG [24] which increase the THl immune response, thus allowing possible reductions in the amount of allergen extract. Defined allergens were used instead of whole extracts. In the case of birch pollen, a clinical trial with recombinant Bet v 1 has shown efficacy equivalent to whole birch pollen extract [25].

[0030] To diminish the occurrence of allergic symptoms resulting from treatment, different groups explored the use of products with hypoallergenic potential, namely showing reduced IgE binding. Expression of Der p 1 in E. coli resulted simply in aggregated proteins which showed reduced IgE binding [26] and was proposed as possible hypoallergenic vaccine. Expression of pro-Der p 1 in P. pastoris resulted in a stable hypoallergenic proenzyme also with potential for use in allergen- specific immunotherapy [27]. Combination of allergens, namely Der p i / Der p 2 hybrid proteins were engineered by PCR [28] or hybrid proteins were reassembled with Der p 1 and Der p 2 fragments [29] and expressed in E. coli. Lowered IgE reactivity was shown in both cases while preserving immunogenicity. A potential DNA vaccine candidate with optimized codons has also been constructed [30], [31]. However, none of these approaches have been tested in human yet.

[0031] A further approach consisted in providing peptides encompassing a restricted number of T-cell epitopes which were used for allergen immunotherapy of cat dander with limited efficacy [32] . However, allergens harbor a great variety of T cell epitopes partly dependent on the HLA type of the patient. For example, T cell epitopes were found scattered throughout the Bet v 1 sequence, except for a short region [33]. Thus an efficient

immunotherapy product should preferably contain the complete sequence of the allergen rather than selected T-cell epitopes. [0032] The use of fragments of allergens remains attractive, based on the evidence that human IgE recognize mainly non-contiguous epitopes which may be separated by

fragmentation of the allergen. Two contiguous fragments of Bet v 1 or trimeric forms of Bet v 1 were tested in a phase I study in human and showed a trend towards improvement of wellbeing but provided no significant improvement in symptom medication scores [34] . In that study, however, a number of adverse events were observed, the majority of which occurred hours after the injections [35]. Three fragments of the major allergen of bee venom, namely phospholipase A2, were also tested in human, showing an excellent safety due to lowered IgE binding while eliciting elevated levels of IgG4 and IL-10 [36]. A method was devised to select contiguous overlapping peptides (COPs) for treatment of allergy which together form the entire amino acid sequence of an allergen, thus providing all possible T cell epitopes of the allergen, while having lowered IgE binding (US Patent 7,923,209). Such selected fragments show a reduced ability to reform the original tertiary structure of the allergen, if any, resulting in a reduced ability to bind IgE and therefore to elicit allergic reactions in humans.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0033] According to one aspect, the present invention provides contiguous overlapping peptides (COPs) as a composition for the treatment of house dust mites' allergies.

Specifically, COPS are provided from the sequence of the two major allergens of house dust mites Der p 1 and Der p 2 which include the complete sequence of these allergens and thus provide all potential T cell epitopes, but are devoid of the three dimensional structure of the original allergen.

[0034] The COPS may be used in methods of specific immunotherapy against house mite dust allergies and may be administered to mice and other mammals sensitized with Der pi or Der p 2 or a mix of these two allergens without eliciting anaphylactic shock. More specifically, the invention relates to a specific immunotherapy (SIT) method able to reduce allergic symptoms after a few administrations over a short period of time. This therapy consists of repeatedly administering specific COPs to humans suffering from allergy to house dust mites. Administration may be done by systemic, transdermal, intradermal subcutaneous, or by oral routes, or mucosal routes including sublingual and intestinal routes. Administration may in some embodiments be repeated five times over two month compared to 3 to 5 years for current SIT. Administered amount of active product (COPs) may reach a cumulated value equivalent in molar amount to the amount of Der p 1 and Der p 2 administered over three year of SIT treatment.

[0035] Specifically the invention provides a composition comprising a plurality of contiguous overlapping peptide fragments (COPs) wherein the reactivity of said COPs to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is substantially reduced or eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained. As used herein the statement that reactivity to IgE antibodies is eliminated is understood by those of skill in the immunology art that such reactivity is reduced by three or four or more logs to a level at which it is clinically irrelevant or by which it is undetectable by ordinary measurement techniques. Said combination of COPs including both the complete sequences of Der p 1 (Swiss-Prot P08176.2) and the complete sequence of Der p 2 (GenBank AFJ68067.1), said Der p 1 sequences are obtained by the addition of a first peptide starting at amino acid T99 and ending at G 168 (SEQ ID NO: 8), a second peptide starting at amino acid A164 and ending at S200 (SEQ ID NO: 12), a third peptide starting at amino acids R193 and ending at E227 (SEQ ID NO: 13), a fourth peptide starting at amino acids P220 and ending at R254 (SEQ ID NO: 14), a fifth peptide starting at amino acids R249 and ending at D282 (SEQ ID NO: 15), a sixth peptide starting at amino acids A278 and ending at L320 (SEQ ID NO: 11), said Der p 2 sequences are obtained by addition of a first peptide starting at amino acids Dl and ending at E25 (SEQ ID NO: 18), a second peptide starting at amino acids H22 and ending at K77 (SEQ ID NO: 19), a third peptide starting at amino acids S57 and ending at Dl 13 (SEQ ID NO: 24), and a fourth peptide starting at amino acids K109 and ending at D129 (SEQ ID NO: 25).

[0036] While the sequences above represent the most preferred peptides for overlapping slightly shorter and slightly longer versions of each of those first through sixth Der p 1 peptides and first through fourth Der p 2 peptides are contemplated which are each 1-3 or 1-5 or 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids truncated or elongated from the preferred peptides of SEQ ID NOS: 8, 11-15, 18, 19, 24 and 25 such that IgE reactive three dimensional epitopes are not recreated and such that the reactivity of the peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to Der p 1 and/or Der p 2 is eliminated and whereby sets of peptides which overlap each other by one or more amino acids are produced such that reactivity with T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is maintained. The truncated or elongated COPs will be equivalent functionally to the peptides of SEQ ID NOS: 8, 11-15, 18, 19, 24 and 25 provided that they do not lead to restored IgE binding. As one aspect of the invention it is noted that there exists some sequence variability in the major dust mite allergens Der p 1 and Der p 2. Thus one sequence of Der p 2 GenBank sequence AFJ68067.1 (SEQ ID NO: 28 differs by four amino acid residues from the mature protein sequence variant in Swiss Prot P49278.1 (SEQ ID NO: 29). Specifically referring to SEQ 28 the sequences vary by the substitution of a hydrophobic valine (V) for a hydrophilic lysine (L) at AA 40, the substitution of a nucleophilic serine (S) for a nucleophilic threonine (T) at AA 47, the substitution of a hydrophobic lysine (L) for a hydrophobic methionine (M) at AA 70 and the substitution of an amide asparagine (N) for an acidic residue aspartic acid (D) at AA 114. Those of skill in the art would be capable of selecting from the sequences of different allergen isotypes as well as substituting amino acid residues having similar properties to obtain peptides useful for carrying out the specific immunotherapy methods of the invention. Accordingly the invention provides COPs having 70%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% sequence identity to the peptides of SEQ ID NOS: 8, 11-15, 18, 19, 24 and 25 and the peptides of SEQ ID NOS: 8 and 11-15 which are elongated or truncated by 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 26 and SEQ ID NOS: 18, 19, 24 and 25 along SEQ ID NO: 27 and wherein the reactivity of such peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

[0037] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the first and second peptides of Der p 1 overlap each other by 1 to 5 amino acids. According to another preferred aspect of the invention the second and third peptides of Der p 1 overlap each other by 1 to 8 amino acids. According to another preferred aspect of the invention the third and fourth peptides of Der p 1 overlap each other by 1 to 8 amino acids. According to another preferred aspect of the invention the fourth and fifth peptides of Der p 1 overlap each other by 1 to 6 amino acids. According to another preferred aspect of the invention the fifth and sixth peptides of Der p 1 overlap each other by 1 to 5 amino acids. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the first and second peptides of Der p 2 overlap each other by 1 to 4 amino acids. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the second and third peptides of Der p 2 overlap each other by 1 to 21 amino acids. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the third and fourth peptides of Der p 2 overlap each other by 1 to 5 amino acids. Particularly preferred compositions comprise the combination of the peptide having SEQ ID NO: 8, the peptide having SEQ ID NO: 12, the peptide having SEQ ID NO: 13, the peptide having SEQ ID NO: 14, the peptide having SEQ ID NO: 15, the peptide having SEQ ID NO: 11, the peptide having SEQ ID NO: 18, the peptide having SEQ ID NO: 19, the peptide having SEQ ID NO: 24 and the peptide having SEQ ID NO: 25.

[0038] Preferred COP compositions include those wherein the peptides are soluble in aqueous buffers compatible with application routes. In particular the set of peptides

AllerDM1.5, AllerDM1.52, AllerDM1.53, AllerDM1.54 and AllerDM1.5a are preferred to AllerDM1.2 due to their solubility in water. AllerDM1.7 is preferred to AllerDM1.3 and AllerDM1.72 as no polar aprotic solvent is needed for solubilization.

[0039] Such peptides can be obtained by any of a variety of methods including by chemical synthesis or by recombinant means.

[0040] The COPs and peptides of the invention can be provided in dry powdered form but can also be provided in combination with an acceptable carrier or diluent. In addition, the compositions can further comprise an adjuvant with a preferred adjuvant being aluminum hydroxide. As such the compositions can be characterized as and used as a vaccine composition.

[0041] The COPs and peptides of the invention can be provided together with denaturing and or chaotropic agents, comprising guanidinium chloride. Such agents function by preventing 3-dimensional structure formation in solution contribute to lower IgE binding.

[0042] Also provided are methods of specific immunotherapy (SIT) against house dust mite allergies comprising administering to a patient in need thereof one or more allergens selected from the group consisting of a combination of COPs including both the complete sequences of Der p 1 (Swiss-Prot P08176.2) and the complete sequence of Der p 2 (GenBank AFJ68067.1), said Der p 1 sequences are obtained by the addition of a first peptide starting at amino acid T99 and ending at G168 (SEQ ID NO: 8), a second peptide starting at amino acid A164 and ending at S200 (SEQ ID NO: 12), a third peptide starting at amino acids R193 and ending at E227 (SEQ ID NO: 13), a fourth peptide starting at amino acids P220 and ending at R254 (SEQ ID NO: 14), a fifth peptide starting at amino acids R249 and ending at D282 (SEQ ID NO: 15), a sixth peptide starting at amino acids A278 and ending at L320 (SEQ ID NO: 11), said Der p 2 sequences are obtained by addition of a first peptide starting at amino acids Dl and ending at E25 (SEQ ID NO: 18), a second peptide starting at amino acids H22 and ending at K77 (SEQ ID NO: 19), a third peptide starting at amino acids S57 and ending at Dl 13 (SEQ ID NO: 24), and a fourth peptide starting at amino acids K109 and ending at D129 (SEQ ID NO: 25). [0043] Such methods can be carried out in which the peptides are administered using intradermal injection, subcutaneous injection, intramuscular injection, intravenous injection, transdermal, intranasal, oral, sublingual, intraocular, or intrathecal techniques.

[0044] According to one such method, a patient is treated with the combination of COPs including both the complete sequences of Der p 1 (Swiss-Prot P08176.2) and the complete sequence of Der p 2 (GenBank AFJ68067.1), said Der p 1 sequences are obtained by the addition of a first peptide starting at amino acid T99 and ending at G168 (SEQ ID NO: 8), a second peptide starting at amino acid A164 and ending at S200 (SEQ ID NO: 12), a third peptide starting at amino acids R193 and ending at E227 (SEQ ID NO: 13), a fourth peptide starting at amino acids P220 and ending at R254 (SEQ ID NO: 14), a fifth peptide starting at amino acids R249 and ending at D282 (SEQ ID NO: 15), a sixth peptide starting at amino acids A278 and ending at L320 (SEQ ID NO: 11), said Der p 2 sequences are obtained by addition of a first peptide starting at amino acids Dl and ending at E25 (SEQ ID NO: 18), a second peptide starting at amino acids H22 and ending at K77 (SEQ ID NO: 19), a third peptide starting at amino acids S57 and ending at Dl 13 (SEQ ID NO: 24), and a fourth peptide starting at amino acids K109 and ending at D129 (SEQ ID NO: 25). According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the first and second peptides of Der p 1 overlap each other by 1 to 5 amino acids. According to another preferred aspect of the invention the second and third peptides of Der p 1 overlap each other by 1 to 8 amino acids. According to another preferred aspect of the invention the third and fourth peptides of Der p 1 overlap each other by 1 to 8 amino acids. According to another preferred aspect of the invention the fourth and fifth peptides of Der p 1 overlap each other by 1 to 6 amino acids. According to another preferred aspect of the invention the fifth and sixth peptides of Der p 1 overlap each other by 1 to 5 amino acids. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the first and second peptides of Der p 2 overlap each other by 1 to 4 amino acids. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the second and third peptides of Der p 2 overlap each other by 1 to 21 amino acids. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the third and fourth peptides of Der p 2 overlap each other by 1 to 5 amino acids. Particularly preferred compositions comprise the combination of the peptide having SEQ ID NO: 8, the peptide having SEQ ID NO: 12, the peptide having SEQ ID NO: 13, the peptide having SEQ ID NO: 14, the peptide having SEQ ID NO: 15, the peptide having SEQ ID NO: 11, the peptide having SEQ ID NO: 18, the peptide having SEQ ID NO: 19, the peptide having SEQ ID NO: 24 and the peptide having SEQ ID NO: 25. [0045] According to its preferred aspects the invention provides a composition comprising a plurality of peptide fragments comprising a first polypeptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 99-104 to amino acids 157-177 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a second peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 154-174 to amino acids 190-210 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a third peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 183-203 to amino acids 217-237 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a fourth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 210-230 to amino acids 244-264 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a fifth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 239- 259 to amino acids 272-292 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a sixth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 268-288 to amino acids 310-320 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

[0046] According to still further preferred aspects of the invention compositions are provided wherein the first and second peptides overlap each other by 1 to 5 amino acids; the second and third peptides overlap each other by 1 to 8 amino acids; the third and fourth peptides overlap each other by 1 to 8 amino acids; the fourth and fifth peptides overlap each other by 1 to 6 amino acids or the fifth and sixth peptides overlap each other by 1 to 5 amino acids. [0047] According to a further aspect of the invention is provided a composition comprising a plurality of peptide fragments comprising a first polypeptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 1-15 to amino acids 15-35 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a second peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 12-32 to amino acids 67-87 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a third peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 47-67 to amino acids 103-123 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a fourth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 99-119 to amino acids 119-129 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

[0048] According to still further preferred aspects of the invention compositions are provided wherein the first and second peptides overlap each other by 1 to 4 amino acids; the second and third peptides overlap each other by 1 to 21 amino acids or the third and fourth peptides overlap each other by 1 to 5 amino acids.

[0049] Also provided is a composition comprising a plurality of Der pi contiguous overlapping peptide fragments comprising a first polypeptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 99-104 to amino acids 157-177 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a second peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 154-174 to amino acids 190-210 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a third peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 183-203 to amino acids 217-237 of SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a fourth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 210-230 to amino acids 244-264 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a fifth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 239-259 to amino acids 272-292 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a sixth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 268-288 to amino acids 310-320 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained; and a plurality of Der p2 contiguous overlapping peptide fragments comprising a first polypeptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 1-15 to amino acids 15-35 of SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a second peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 12-32 to amino acids 67-87 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a third peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 47-67 to amino acids 103-123 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a fourth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 99-119 to amino acids 119-129 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained. [0050] According to one method a patient in need of specific immunotherapy for dust mite allergy is treated with the combination of one or more Der p 1 contiguous overlapping peptides comprising a first peptide starting at amino acid T99 and ending at G 168 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 8), a second peptide starting at amino acid A 164 and ending at S200 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 12), a third peptide starting at amino acids R193 and ending at E227 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 13), a fourth peptide starting at amino acids P220 and ending at R254 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 14), a fifth peptide starting at amino acids R249 and ending at D282 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 15), a sixth peptide starting at amino acids A278 and ending at L320 (SEQ ID NO: 11) which first through sixth peptides are optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 27, and a plurality of Der p 2 contiguous overlapping peptides comprising a first peptide starting at amino acids Dl and ending at E25 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 18), a second peptide starting at amino acids H22 and ending at K77 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 19), a third peptide starting at amino acids S57 and ending at Dl 13 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 24), and a fourth peptide starting at amino acids K109 and ending at D129 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 25) which first through fourth peptides are optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 28 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained. According to preferred aspects of the invention the first and second peptides overlap each other by 1 to 5 amino acids, the first and second peptides overlap each other by 1 to 11 amino acids; the second and third peptides overlap each other by 1 to 8 amino acids; the third and fourth peptides overlap each other by 1 to 8 amino acids; the fourth and fifth peptides overlap each other by 1 to 6 amino acids; the fifth and sixth peptides overlap each other by 1 to 5 amino acids; the seventh and eighth peptides overlap each other by 1 to 4 amino acids; the eighth and ninth peptides overlap each other by 1 to 21 amino acids; and/or the ninth and tenth peptides overlap each other by 1 to 5 amino acids. According to one aspect of the invention the patient in need thereof is treated with at least five or six or seven or eight or nine or ten of said allergens. [0051] Preferred peptides according to the invention include a peptide comprising the sequence from amino acid T99 to G 168 of a polypeptide having 90% or 95% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 8) which is optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 27 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained with a particularly preferred peptide having the sequence consisting of that of SEQ ID NO: 8.

[0052] Preferred peptides according to the invention include a peptide comprising the sequence from amino acid A164 and ending at S200 of a polypeptide having 90% or 95% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 12) which is optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 27 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained with a particularly preferred peptide having the sequence consisting of that of SEQ ID NO: 12.

[0053] Preferred peptides according to the invention include a peptide comprising the sequence from amino acid R193 and ending at E227 of a polypeptide having 90% or 95% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 13) which is optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 27 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained with a particularly preferred peptide having the sequence consisting of that of SEQ ID NO: 13.

[0054] Preferred peptides according to the invention include a peptide comprising the sequence from amino acid P220 and ending at R254 of a polypeptide having 90% or 95% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 14) which is optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 27 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained with a particularly preferred peptide having the sequence consisting of that of SEQ ID NO: 14. [0055] Preferred peptides according to the invention include a peptide comprising the sequence from amino acid R249 and ending at D282 of a polypeptide having 90% or 95% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 15) which is optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 27 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained with a particularly preferred peptide having the sequence consisting of that of SEQ ID NO: 15.

[0056] Preferred peptides according to the invention include a peptide comprising the sequence from amino acid A278 and ending at L320 of a polypeptide having 90% or 95% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 11) which is optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 27 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained with a particularly preferred peptide having the sequence consisting of that of SEQ ID NO: 11.

[0057] Preferred peptides according to the invention include a peptide comprising the sequence from amino acid Dl and ending at E25 of a polypeptide having 90% or 95% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 18) which is optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 28 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained with a particularly preferred peptide having the sequence consisting of that of SEQ ID NO: 18.

[0058] Preferred peptides according to the invention include a peptide comprising the sequence from amino acid Dl and ending at E25 of a polypeptide having 90% or 95% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 18) which is optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 28 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained with a particularly preferred peptide having the sequence consisting of that of SEQ ID NO: 18. [0059] Preferred peptides according to the invention include a peptide comprising the sequence from amino acid H22 and ending at K77 of a polypeptide having 90% or 95% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 19) which is optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 28 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained with a particularly preferred peptide having the sequence consisting of that of SEQ ID NO: 19.

[0060] Preferred peptides according to the invention include a peptide comprising the sequence from amino acid S57 and ending at Dl 13 of a polypeptide having 90% or 95% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 24) which is optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 28 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained with a particularly preferred peptide having the sequence consisting of that of SEQ ID NO: 24.

[0061] Preferred peptides according to the invention include a peptide comprising the sequence from amino acid K109 and ending at D129 of a polypeptide having 90% or 95% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 25) which is optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 28 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained with a particularly preferred peptide having the sequence consisting of that of SEQ ID NO: 25.

[0062] The invention also provides a method of specific immunotherapy against house dust mites allergies comprising administering to a patient in need thereof one or more allergens selected from the group consisting of a first polypeptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 99-104 to amino acids 157-177 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a second peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 154-174 to amino acids 190-210 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a third peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 183-203 to amino acids 217-237 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a fourth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 210-230 to amino acids 244-264 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a fifth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 239-259 to amino acids 272-292 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a sixth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 268- 288 to amino acids 310-320 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a seventh polypeptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 1-15 to amino acids 15-35 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, an eighth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 12-32 to amino acids 67-87 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a ninth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 47-67 to amino acids 93-123 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, and a tenth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 99-119 to amino acids 119-129 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

[0063] Also provided is a composition for conducting specific immunotherapy comprising a plurality of contiguous overlapping peptide fragments which fragments together comprise the entire amino acid sequence of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to Der p 2 (SEQ ID NO: 28) comprising a first polypeptide consisting of the sequence from amino acid 1 to amino acids 30-82 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a second peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 12-32 to amino acids 67-87 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a third peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 47-67 to amino acids 103-123 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, and a fourth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 89-109 to amino acid 129 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

[0064] Also provided is a composition for conducting specific immunotherapy comprising a plurality of contiguous overlapping peptide fragments which fragments together comprise the entire amino acid sequence of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to Der p 2 (SEQ ID NO: 28) comprising a first polypeptide consisting of the sequence from amino acid 1 to amino acids 62-82 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a second peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 47-67 to amino acids 103-123 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, and a third peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 89-119 to amino acid 129 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained. Particularly preferred is the composition wherein the second peptide starting at amino acid S57 and ending at Dl 13 (SEQ ID NO: 24) is neither elongated nor truncated.

[0065] Further provided is a composition for conducting specific immunotherapy comprising a plurality of Der p 2 contiguous overlapping peptide fragments comprising a first peptide starting at amino acid Dl and ending at A72 of (SEQ ID NO: 16), a second peptide starting at amino acid S57 and ending at Dl 13 (SEQ ID NO: 24), and a third peptide selected from the group consisting of the peptide starting at amino acid K89 and ending at D129 of (SEQ ID NO: 28) or the peptide starting at amino acid K109 and ending at D129 (SEQ ID NO: 25) wherein the peptides are optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 28 and wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

Particularly preferred is the composition wherein the second peptide starting at amino acid S57 and ending at Dl 13 (SEQ ID NO: 24) is neither elongated nor truncated.

[0066] The compositions of the invention may be in dry powdered form and may further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent and/or an adjuvant with aluminium hydroxide being a particularly preferred adjuvant.

[0067] The peptides, combinations of peptides and compositions comprising the same may be administered in methods of specific immunotherapy against house dust mites allergies comprising administering to a patient in need thereof one or more allergens using intradermal injection, subcutaneous injection, intramuscular injection, intravenous injection, transdermal, intranasal, oral, sublingual, intraocular, or intrathecal techniques.

[0068] According to one aspect of the invention it has been discovered that carrying out specific immunotherapy by administration of the individual and overlapping peptides of the invention can be promoted by the co-administration of the peptides in the presence of a denaturing or chaotropic agent with guanidinium chloride being a particularly preferred agent. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] Fig. 1 depicts the competitive binding of selected COPs to IgE from two serums (continuous and dashed line) compared to Der p 1. Panel A: Der pi (closed symbols) vs.

single peptides AllerDMl.l, 1.2 and 1.3, (open symbols). Panel B Der pi (closed symbols) vs. single peptides AllerDM1.4, 1.5 and 1.6 and 1.7 (open symbols). Panel C: Der pi (closed symbols) vs. single peptides AllerDM1.52, 1.53 and 1.5a. Panel D: Der pi (closed symbols) vs. single peptides AllerDM1.62, 1.63 and 1.64.

[0070] Fig. 2 depicts the ability of Der p 2 and selected COPs to induce degranulation of "humanized" RBL cells (obtained from Dr. Vogel, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Langen, Germany) pre-incubated with two different human serums. Panel A: Der p2 (closed symbols) vs.

Derp2_SetA (open symbols). Panel B: Der p2 (closed symbols) vs. Derp2_SetB (open symbols). Panel C: Der p2 (closed symbols) vs. single peptides AllerDM2.3, 2.4 and 2.5.

[0071] Fig. 3 depicts the reduction of IgE binding resulting from the use of guanidinium chloride in competition ELISA. Panel A: Der p 1, AllerDM1.52 and AllerDM1.62 were tested with (label G) or without 30 min pre-incubation with IM guanidinium chloride. Panel B: Der p 2 and AllerDM2.2 were tested with or without 30 min pre-incubation with IM guanidinium chloride.

[0072] Fig. 4 depicts the lack of IgE binding of the selected product AllerDM composed of an equimolar mix of 10 COPs. 21 serums of HDM allergic subjects from Europe and USA were tested in competition ELISA. Panel A: competition with Der pi (closed symbols) vs. AllerDM (open symbols) for Der p 1 reactivity. Panel B: competition with Der p2 (full symbols) vs. AllerDM (open symbols) for Der p 2 reactivity.

[0073] Fig. 5 depicts the inability of the selected product AllerDM composed of an equimolar mix of 10 COPs to induce degranulation of RBL cells loaded with 18 sera from HDM allergic patients. Panel A: Der pi (full symbols) vs. AllerDM (open symbols) induced degranulation. Panel B: Der p2 (full symbols) vs. AllerDM (open symbols) induced degranulation.

[0074] Figure 6 depicts the anaphylactic reactions of Balb/c mice sensitized by repeated subcutaneous injections of a mix of recombinant Der p 1 and Der p 2 allergens. 7 days after the third injection of low dose of allergens, mice were challenged with a single massive dose of allergen. Mean and standard deviation of body temperatures of a set of ten mice is shown after challenge with either AllerDM (closed circles), vehicle (PBS, open circles) or the mix Der p i / Der p 2 (closed squares).

[0075] Figure 7 depicts the immunogenicity of AllerDM compared to Der p i / Der p 2 injections in Balb/c mice with Freund's adjuvant (panel A). AllerDM is able to induce specific IgGs recognizing the allergens Der p 1 and Der p 2 respectively up to levels comparable to immunization with the respective original allergens. AllerDM1.42, DM 2.4 and DM 2.10 contribute most to AllerDM immunogenicity, whereas individual mice do react to the other COPs present in AllerDM except for AllerDM2.9 (panel B).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0076] The invention is described below by way of examples with reference to the following experimental procedures and results.

[0077] Material and Methods

[0078] Allergens

[0079] Purified natural Der p 1 (NA-DP 1 -2) and natural Der p 2 (NA-DP2-2) were obtained from Indoor Biotechnologies Ltd, UK.

[0080] Choice of Peptides and synthesis

[0081] The aim was to prevent the formation of stable tertiary structures of B cell epitopes, while presenting all T cell epitopes present within the Der p 1 and Der p 2 protein sequences presented below as SEQ ID NO: 27 (Der p 1) Swiss-Prot sequence P08176.2 and SEQ ID NO: 28 (Der p2) GenBank sequence AFJ68067.1 set out below. It should be noted that Der p 2 exists in multiple isotypes with Swiss Prot P49278.1 (SEQ ID NO: 29) described in previous patent application WO 2004-081028 (A2) the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. There are four amino acid differences between the GenBank sequence AFJ68067.1 and the mature protein (without signal peptide) Swiss Prot P49278.1 sequence. The sequences also differ with the Swiss Prot P49278.1 sequence being shorter due to a single peptide being cleaved off its N-terminal end. SEQ ID NO: 27

Der p 1 sequence

MKIVLAIASLLALSAVYARPSSIKTFEEYKKAFNKSYATFEDEEAARKNFLESVKYVQ

SNGGAINHLSDLSLDEFKNRFLMSAEAFEHLKTQFDLNAETNACSINGNAPAEIDLRQ

MRTVTPIRMQGGCGSCWAFSGVAATESAYLAYRNQSLDLAEQELVDCASQHGCHG

DTIPRGIEYIQHNGVVQESYYRYVAREQSCRRPNAQRFGISNYCQIYPPNVNKIREALA

QTHSAIAVIIGIKDLDAFRHYDGRTIIQRDNGYQPNYHAVNIVGYSNAQGVDYWIVRN

SWDTNWGDNGYGYFAANIDLMMIEEYPYVVIL

SEQ ID NO: 28

Der p 2 sequence (GenBank sequence AFJ68067.1)

DQVDVKDCANHEIKKVLVPGCHGSEPCIIHRGKPFQLEALFEANQNSKTAKIEIKASID GLEVDVPGIDPNACHYMKCPLVKGQQYDIKYTWNVPKIAPKSENVVVTVKVLGDNG VLACAIATHAKIRD

SEQ ID NO: 29

Der p 2 sequence ( Swiss Prot sequence P49278.1)

MMYKILCLSLLVAAVARDQVDVKDCANHEIKKVLVPGCHGSEPCIIHRGKPFQLEAV

FEANQNTKTAKIEIKASIDGLEVDVPGIDPNACHYMKCPLVKGQQYDIKYTWNVPKI

APKSENVVVTVKVMGDDGVLACAIATHAKIRD

[0082] As a result, the following COPs which overlap along the Der pi and Der p 2 sequences were selected, namely:

SEQ ID NO: 1

AllerDMl. l (81AA)

TNACSINGNAPAEIDLRQMRTVTPIRMQGGCGSCWAFSGVAATESAYLAYRNQSLDL AEQELVDC AS QHGCHGDTIPRGIE

SEQ ID NO: 2

ALLERDM1.2 (86AA)

SQHGCHGDTIPRGIEYIQHNGVVQESYYRYVAREQSCRRPNAQRFGISNYCQIYPPNV NKIREALAQTHSAIAVIIGIKDLDAFRH SEQ ID NO: 3

ALLERDM1.3 (86AA)

AIAVIIGIKDLDAFRHYDGRTIIQRDNGYQPNYHAVNIVGYSNAQGVDYWIVRNSWD TNWGDNGYGYFAANIDLMMIEEYPYVVIL

SEQ ID NO: 4

ALLERDM1.4 (66AA)

TNACSINGNAPAEIDLRQMRTVTPIRMQGGCGSCWAFSGVAATESAYLAYRNQSLDL AEQELVDCA

SEQ ID NO: 5

ALLERDM1.5 (73AA)

LAEQELVDCASQHGCHGDTIPRGIEYIQHNGVVQESYYRYVAREQSCRRPNAQRFGIS NYCQIYPPNVNKIRE

SEQ ID NO: 6

ALLERDM1.6 (73AA)

PNVNKIREALAQTHSAIAVIIGIKDLDAFRHYDGRTIIQRDNGYQPNYHAVNIVGYSN AQGVDYWIVRNSWDT

SEQ ID NO: 7

ALLERDM1.7 (40 AA)

VDYWIVRNSWDTNWGDNGYGYFAANIDLMMIEEYPYVVIL

SEQ ID NO: 8

ALLERDM1.42 (70AA)

TNACSINGNAPAEIDLRQMRTVTPIRMQGGCGSCWAFSGVAATESAYLAYRNQSLDL AEQELVDC AS QHG

SEQ ID NO: 9

ALLERDM1.52 (64AA)

ASQHGCHGDTIPRGIEYIQHNGVVQESYYRYVAREQSCRRPNAQRFGISNYCQIYPPN VNKIRE SEQ ID NO: 10

ALLERDM1.62 (63AA)

PNVNKIREALAQTHSAIAVIIGIKDLDAFRHYDGRTIIQRDNGYQPNYHAVNIVGYSN AQGVD

SEQ ID NO: 11

ALLERDM1.72 (43 AA)

AQGVD YWIVRNSWDTNWGDNGYGYFAANIDLMMIEEYPYVVIL

SEQ ID NO: 12

ALLERDM1.53 (37AA)

ASQHGCHGDTIPRGIEYIQHNGVVQESYYRYVAREQS

SEQ ID NO: 13

AllerDM1.54 (35AA)

RYVAREQSCRRPNAQRFGISNYCQIYPPNVNKIRE

SEQ ID NO: 14

AllerDM1.63 (35AA)

PNVNKIREALAQTHSAIAVIIGIKDLDAFRHYDGR

SEQ ID NO: 15

AllerDM1.64 (34AA)

RHYDGRTIIQRDNGYQPNYHAVNIVGYSNAQGVD

SEQ ID NO: 16

ALLERDM2.1 (72AA)

DQVDVKDCANHEIKKVLVPGCHGSEPCIIHRGKPFQLEAVFEANQNTKTAKIEIKASI DGLEVDVPGIDPNA SEQ ID NO: 17

ALLERDM2.2 (73AA)

SIDGLEVDVPGIDPNACHYMKCPLVKGQQYDIKYTWNVPKIAPKSENVVVTVKVMG DDGVLACAIATHAKIRD

SEQ ID NO: 18

ALLERDM2.3 (25AA)

DQVDVKDCANHEIKKVLVPGCHGSE

SEQ ID NO: 19

ALLERDM2.4 (56AA)

HGSEPCIIHRGKPFQLEALFEANQNSKTAKIEIKASIDGLEVDVPGIDPNACHYMK

SEQ ID NO: 20

ALLERDM2.5 (56AA)

HYMKCPLVKGQQYDIKYTWNVPKIAPKSENVVVTVKVLGDNGVLACAIATHAKIRD

SEQ ID NO: 21

ALLERDM2.6 (31AA)

DQVDVKDCANHEIKKVLVPGCHGSEPCIIHR

SEQ ID NO: 22

ALLERDM2.7 (75AA)

SEPCIIHRGKPFQLEALFEANQNSKTAKIEIKASIDGLEVDVPGIDPNACHYMKCPLVK GQQYDIKYTWNVPKIA

SEQ ID NO: 23

ALLERDM2.8 (41AA)

KYTWNVPKIAPKSENVVVTVKVLGDNGVLACAIATHAKIRD

SEQ ID NO: 24

ALLERDM2.10 (57 AA)

SIDGLEVDVPGIDPNACHYMKCPLVKGQQYDIKYTWNVPKIAPKSENVVVTVKVLG D SEQ ID NO: 25

ALLERDM2.9 (21AA)

KVLGDNGVLACAIATHAKIRD

SEQ ID NO: 26

ALLERDM1.5a (32AA)

AREQSCRRPNAQRFGISNYCQIYPPNVNKIRE

[0083] All COPs were synthesized by solid phase fmoc chemistry at research scale to allow determination of IgE binding. Preparative HPLC was used to obtain over 90% pure peptides which were lyophilized. Peptides were resuspended either in water at 2 mg/ml or at 10 to 20 mg per ml in DMSO (see Table 1) and frozen in aliquots.

Competition ELISA

[0084] Purified Der p 1 or Der p 2 at 1.0 μg/ml were coated overnight on 96-well Nunc Maxisorp® immunoplates (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Wohlen, Switzerland). After blocking with 1% BSA, either twenty-fold, thirty-fold or forty-fold up to 200- fold dilutions of patient serum were added depending on specific IgE content. Biotin Mouse anti-human mAb IgE at 5 μg/ml (BioLegend, San Diego, CA) were then added and antibodies were revealed with Streptavidin HRP (BD-Biosciences, San Diego, CA) and the substrate TMB. Sera of allergic patients were obtained from US and Europe (PlasmaLab International, Everett, WA, USA and Biomnis, Lyon, France) respectively) selected for positive CAP for D. pteronyssinus and clear signal over background and used to test for competition with the peptides. Serial dilutions of each set of COPs, namely for Der p 1 Set A, B, C or D and for Der p 2 mixes D, E or F at concentrations ranging from 10^"5 to 10^"10 M were pre-incubated with selected serums for 15 min. on ice. Serums were then incubated on nDer p 1 or nDer p 2 coated 96-well plates and residual IgE binding was determined as described above. nDer p 1 and nDer p 2 dilutions were used as control for inhibition.

RBL degranulation

[0085] Degranulation assay was performed as described in [37]. RBL-703/21 cells transfected with human Fc epsilon RI receptor were plated in 96-well tissue culture plates (105 cells/well) overnight. Passive sensitization of RBL-703/21 cells was carried out with sera from patients with house dust mite allergy at 1:20 overnight. Unbound antibodies were removed by washing the cell layer twice in Hanks' balanced salt solution (Gibco, Life technologies) the next day. Degranulation of RBL cells was induced for lh at 37°C by adding nDer pi, nDer p 2 or individual COPs and mixes at indicated concentrations diluted in Tyrode's buffer (130 mM NaCl, 5 mM KC1, 1.4 mM CaC12, 1 mM MgC12, 5.6 mM glucose, 10 mM HEPES pH7.4, 0.1% BSA). β-hexosaminidase activity was analyzed by incubating 30 μΐ of cell supernatant with 50 μΐ of 1.3mg/ml 4-Nitrophenyl N-acetyl-P-D-glucosaminide (Sigma) in citrate buffer (0.1M, pH 4.5) for 1 h at 37°C. The reaction was stopped by addition of 100 μΐ glycine buffer (0.2M glycine, 0.2M NaCl, pH 10.7) and optical densities (OD) were measured at 405 nm.

Anaphylactic response in mice

[0086] Balb/c mice were sensitized by repeated injections of low doses (^g) of an allergen mix of equimolar Der p 1 and Der p 2 by 3 subcutaneous injections at 14 days interval. Mice were challenged with high doses of either mix of Der p 1 and Der p 2

(30μg/animal) or AllerDM COPs (30μg/animal) 7 days after the last injection. Anaphylactic symptoms were scored using a scale of 6 grades (0, no symptoms to 5, death) adapted from Sade et al. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol; 17(6): 379- 385 (2007). Rectal temperature was monitored at 15 minutes intervals for 60 minutes after challenge using a digital thermometer. PBS was used as control for challenge leading.

Immunogenicity of AllerDM

[0087] Der p 1, Der p 2 allergens and individual AllerDM COPs were injected i.p. in Balb/c mice. The allergens and peptides were given together with Complete Freund's adjuvant. Injections were repeated twice at a one month interval with Incomplete Freund's Adjuvant. Blood was collected from the retroorbital sinus 15 days after the last injection and serum prepared by standard method. Results are expressed as μg/ml specific IgG.

Experimental Results

Choice of peptides

[0088] Der p 1

[0089] In order to select for products with lowered IgE binding, four sets of long (30-90 amino acids) contiguous overlapping peptides (COP) were devised encompassing the entire Der p 1 allergen (Swiss-Prot P08176.2, thus providing all possible T cell epitopes. A first set of three COPs, Derpl_Set A composed of AllerDM 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3, SEQ ID 1, SEQ ID2 and SEQ ID 3 respectively, had already been proposed patent deposit "Allergen peptide fragments and use thereof WO2004-081028(A2). Derpl_Set A COPs were synthesized, purified and assayed for IgE binding using competition ELISA. Residual IgE binding was observed with different sera from patients allergic to house dust mites to AllerDM1.2 and AllerDM1.3 but not AllerDMl.l.

[0090] A second set (Derpl_Set B) was devised taking into account potential IgE binding regions from the literature and tested for IgE binding by competition ELISA.

Derpl_Set B, a mix of AllerDM1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, respectively SEQ ID 4, 5, 6 and 7 showed residual IgE reactivity, a. When using individual peptides, AllerDM1.4 and 1.7 showed no detectable IgE binding, whereas AllerDM1.5 and 1.6 were found to be responsible for the reactivity previously observed with AllerDM1.2 and 1.3 or complete Derpl_Set B.

[0091] AllerDM1.5 included two cysteines which might reform a disulfide bridge and recreate an IgE epitope. Thus, the C-terminal cysteine was removed, leading to AllerDM1.52 (SEQ ID 9) which unfortunately still bound IgE. For AllerDM1.6, shortening the C-terminal part had also no influence on IgE binding (AllerDM1.62, SEQ ID 10). Since the N-terminal end of AllerDM1.52 and the C-terminal end of AllerDM1.62 were modified, alternative peptides to AllerDM1.4 and 1.7 had to be devised in order to provide sufficient overlaps to ensure the presence of possible T cell terminal epitopes. AllerDM1.42 and 1.72 received 4 and 3 additional amino acids in the overlapping region (SEQ ID 8 and 11 respectively). The candidate Derpl_Set C including AllerDM1.52 and 1.62 showing residual IgE binding was thus discarded.

[0092] After modeling the 3D structure of Der p 1 and the synthesized peptides up to now, a further set, namely Derpl_SetD was prepared in which each of the IgE binding peptides AllerDM1.52 and 1.62 were further split. AllerDM1.52 was split in two peptides, namely AllerDM1.53 and 1.5a (SEQ ID 12 and 26 respectively) and AllerDM1.62 was split in AllerDM1.63 and 1.64 (SEQ ID 14 and 15) (Figure 1). These peptides finally did not show any detectable IgE binding, indicating that all possible IgE epitopes had been removed. Since 1.53 and 1.5a overlapped by only 5 amino acids, an extended version AllerDM1.54 (SEQ ID 13), overlapping by 8 amino acids, was synthesized and showed the same IgE non-binding properties as AllerDM1.5a. This finding indicates that varying the COPs end by 3 amino acids has no effect on IgE binding capacity. Having to split AllerDM1.62 in two pieces was unexpected regarding current knowledge, since the region R248 to R254 had not been previously retained as potentially binding IgE (see background of the invention). The final set of COPs issued from Der p 1 with no detectable IgE binding includes six peptides, namely AllerDM1.42, 1.53, 1.54, 1.63, 1.64 and 1.72. (SEQ ID 8, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 11 respectively).

[0093] Der p 2

[0094] The first set of COPs was derived from previous patent application WO2004- 081028(A2) (Der p 2 isotype P49278.1) (SEQ ID 29) and contained two peptides of equal length AllerDM2.1 and 2.2 (SEQ ID 16 and 17). This set of COPs (Derp2_SetA) showed low but detectable IgE binding in competition ELISA and AllerDM2.2 was found to bind IgE in direct ELISA. Derp2_SetB, composed of AllerDM2.3, 2.4 and 2.5 (SEQ ID 18, 19 and 20) was devised in order to prevent disulfide bridges responsible for two short loops known to play a role in the maintenance of the 3D structure of Der p 2. In parallel an alternative set (Derp2_SetC) was synthesized, where disulfide bridges were kept, namely AllerDM2.6, 2.7 and 2.8 (SEQ ID 21, 22 and 23). Both Sets B and C, showed residual IgE binding in competition ELISA. In SetB IgE binding was restricted to AllerDM2.5 as confirmed by both direct and competition ELISA. IgE binding to individual COPs from SetC proved to be multiple. AllerDM2.7, which covers the central part of Der p 2, showed residual IgE binding in competition ELISA, whereas AllerDM2.8 (C-terminal part of Der p 2) was found to bind IgE non-specifically IgE from sera from allergic and non-allergic donors. In addition, Derp2_SetC elicited weak but detectable response in RBL degranulation assay and was therefore discarded from further AllerDM development.

[0095] Surprisingly, Derp2_SetB (AllerDM2.3, 2.4 and 2.5), was able to induce basophil degranulation in an RBL assays whereas Derp2_SetA (Aller DM 2.1 and 2.2) did not (Figure 2). Furthermore, AllerDM2.4 and 2.5 in combination resulted in degranulation, whereas each individual peptide did not (Figure 2, Panel C). The same phenomenon was observed when combining AllerDM2.1 with AllerDM2.5. Since AllerDM2.1 and AllerDM2.4 did not bind IgE when tested alone in competitive ELISA, and since two IgE epitopes are required in addition to trigger degranulation, these results raised the possibility that some interaction between the two peptides AllerDM2.4 and 2.5 takes place in solution leading to partial reconstitution of the original 3D structure of the allergen, thus re-creating a second IgE epitope.

[0096] Analyzing Der p 2 crystal structures in view of the results above lead to propose that AllerDM2.4 and 2.5 may partly refold in solution due to the presence of antiparallel beta sheets and combine to re-create a second IgE binding site. Since the combination AllerDM 2.2 in combination with either 2.1 or 2.4 did not induce degranulation, S57 to C73 was added at the N-terminus of AllerDM2.5 in the next set of COPs leading to AllerDM2.10 (SEQ ID 24). In order to further reduce IgE binding potential, AllerDM2.10 was trimmed at its C- terminus to D 113. To maintain a minimal overlap (5 amino acids) with AllerDM2.10, AllerDM2.9 (SEQ ID 25) had to be synthesized starting at K109, in order to include the complete Der p 2 sequence. Derp2_SetD (AllerDM2.3, 2.4, 2.10 and 2.9) and its individual components showed no residual IgE binding in competition ELISA and were not able to trigger basophil degranulation anymore. The final set of COPs issued from Der p 2 thus includes four peptides, namely AllerDM2.3, 2.4, 2.10 and 2.9 (SEQ ID 18, 19, 24 and 25 respectively).

[0097] A further finding indicated that IgE binding and basophil degranulation is related to partial reconstitution of original 3D structure in solution came from the use of denaturing salts. Adding denaturing salts, including guanidinium chloride or urea, strongly diminished IgE binding to AllerDM1.52, 1.62 and 2.2 (Figure 3). This indicates an alternative for product formulation to decrease potential immediate allergic reactions upon injection of allergen fragments.

[0098] AllerDM

[0099] In order to further verify the absence of IgE binding the final mix of ten peptides derived from both Der p 1 and Der p 2, now called AllerDM, namely composed of combination of AllerDM 1.42, 1.53, 1.54, 1.63, 1.64 and 1.72. (SEQ ID 8, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 11 respectively) with AllerDM2.3, 2.4, 2.10 and 2.9 (SEQ ID 18, 19, 24 and 25 respectively) was used in competition ELISA and RBL degranulation tests. As seen in Figure 4, AllerDM showed no detectable reactivity up to a concentration of 10^"5M with a panel of 21 sera from patients allergic to house dust mites from both Europe and US. Controls using either Der p 1 or Der p 2 natural allergens showed expected competition in the range of 10 -^"7' to 1(Γ -9 Μ. Reduced IgE binding allows to consider administering a higher dose of COPs in human compared to traditional SIT treatments.

[00100] RBL cells transfected with human Fc epsilon receptor I were found to bind human IgE and degranulate in presence of allergens [37]. AllerDM, up to 10^"5M a gain, was unable to trigger basophil degranulation when pre-loading RBL cells with a panel of 18 different human serums of patients allergic to house dust mites (Figure 5 A and B). On the contrary, Der p 1 and Der p 2 were able to induce degranulation in combination with the same serums. The absence of degranulation of basophils indicates a potentially diminished risk of immediate allergic reaction upon application in human.

[00101] From these experiments it can be concluded that a preferred product composed of ten COPs to be called AllerDM will contain a combination of soluble peptides derived from both Der p 1 and Der p 2 proteins. The preferred product candidate will be composed of SEQ ID: 8, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 24 and SEQ ID NO: 25.

[00102] A further improvement of the invention includes splitting COPs in parts with improved purification and solubility properties. Also contemplated are homologs of the COPs AllerDM 1.42 to 1.72 and AllerDM2.3 to 2.10, by amino acid changes within each peptide to produce homologs thereof wherein the reactivity of the homologs to IgE antibodies of patients who are allergic to HDM is eliminated while that with the T lymphocytes is still retained. Further contemplated are homologs of the COPs by shifting the limits of the COPs within the house dust mites allergens Der p 1 and Der p 2. Such homologs will result in products with equivalent profiles of non-detectable IgE binding and T lymphocyte activity. Such products will present the same potential for safety and efficacy in human as AllerDM and can be considered as equivalent in terms of chances for treatment, unless shown otherwise. Suitable homologs characterized by no reactivity to anti house dust mites IgE antibodies while maintaining reactivity to T lymphocytes may be identified by the methods described herein

[00103] Table I: Solubility Characteristics of COPs

COP MW (Da) Solvent Cone,

(mg/ml)

AllerDM 1.1 8629.6 H₂0 (after addition of HC1 and NaOH and citrate 1.0 buffer pH5.5)

AllerDM 1.2 9841.0 H₂0 (precipitates when added to Citrate buffer or 2.0

PBS at 2xlO^"5M)

AllerDM1.3 9908.0 DMSO 0.5

AllerDM 1.4 7040.8 H₂0 (pH adjusted with HC1 and NaOH) 1.0

Difficult pH8

AllerDM1.5 8470.4 H₂0 1.7

AllerDM1.6 8314.2 H₂0 (after addition of HC1) 0.8 AUerDM 1.7 4807.3 H₂0 1.0

AUerDM 1.42 7450.2 7 M guanidinium chloride 30.0

AUerDM1.52 7469.3 H₂0 2.3

AUerDM1.62 6992.7 H₂0 2.5

AUerDM 1.72 5063.6 DMSO 12.0

AUerDM1.53 4249.6 H₂0 4.0

AUerDM1.54 4227.7 H₂0 2.0

AUerDM1.63 3903.4 H₂0 2.0

AUerDM1.64 3892.1 H₂0 4.0

AUerDM1.5a 3809.3 H₂0 4.7

AUerDM2.1 7791.8 H₂0 (after addition of HC1, citrate buffer pH5) 1.0

AUerDM2.2 7940.2 H₂0 1.7

AUerDM2.3 2721.0 H₂0 3.0

AUerDM2.4 6162.0 H₂0 4.2

AUerDM2.5 6225.3 H₂0 1.5

AUerDM2.6 3440.9 H₂0 3.0

AUerDM2.7 8414.7 H₂0 3.5

AUerDM2.8 4420.2 H₂0 3.5

AUerDM2.9 2165.5 H₂0 1.0

AUerDM2.10 6286.2 H₂0 (after acidification with HC1 and neutralization 2.0 with NaOH)

Sensitization and challenge

[00104] Balb/c mice were sensitized by repeated subcutaneous injections of a mix of Der p 1 and Der p 2 allergens (^g/ml). 7 days after the last injection mice were challenged with a single massive dose of allergens (Der p 1 and Der p 2 at 30μg/ml) or AUerDM (30μg/ml). Anaphylactic shock in mice has been associated with body temperature drop. Controls and AUerDM challenges resulted in essentially no temperature drop, whereas the mix Der p i / Der p 2 induced a marked decrease in rectal temperature (Figure 6). These results show that AllerDM differs from its parent allergens by a lack of challenging activity, indicating that AllerDM does not trigger an anaphylactic shock in Der p i / Der p 2 sensitized mice.

Immunisation

[00105] AllerDM and Der p 1/Der p 2 were injected in Balb/c mice with Freund's adjuvant. IgG levels were measured after intraperitoneal injection (Figure 7). IgGs raised by the AllerDM mix recognize natural Der p 1 and Der p 2 to almost the same extend as the original allergens themselves (Figure 7, panel A). In separate experiments, the presence of IgGs against each individual COP was detected in sera from mice immunized with AllerDM (Figure 7, panel B) showing that each COP can contribute to the overall immunogenicity, albeit to different extent.

Variations in the invention

[00106] Also contemplated are homologs of the AllerDM 1.42 to DM2.10 COPs, by amino acid changes within each peptide to produce homologs thereof wherein the reactivity of the homologs to IgE antibodies of patients who are allergic to house dust mite allergens is eliminated while that with the T lymphocytes is still retained. Further contemplated are homologs of the COPs by shifting the limits of the COPs within the house dust mite allergens Der p 1 and Der p 2. Such homologs will result in products with equivalent profiles of non- detectable IgE binding and T lymphocyte activity. Such products will present the same potential for safety and efficacy in human as AllerDM and can be considered as equivalent in terms of chances for treatment, unless shown otherwise. Suitable homologs characterized by no reactivity to anti house dust mite IgE antibodies while maintaining reactivity to T lymphocytes may be identified by the methods described herein. Also contemplated are sets of COPs with reduced or eliminated IgE reactivity which retain T lymphocyte reactivity but which are also soluble and/or which show improved synthesis and purification.

[00107] Numerous modifications and variations in the practice of the invention are expected to occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Consequently, the only limitations which should be placed upon the scope of the invention are those which appear in the appended claims.

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[00146] Numerous modifications and variations in the practice of the invention are expected to occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Consequently, the only limitations which should be placed upon the scope of the invention are those which appear in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A composition comprising a plurality of peptide fragments comprising a first polypeptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 99-104 to amino acids 157-177 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a second peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 154-174 to amino acids 190-210 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a third peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 183-203 to amino acids 217-237 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a fourth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 210-230 to amino acids 244-264 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a fifth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 239-259 to amino acids 272-292 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, and a sixth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 268-288 to amino acids 310-320 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the first and second peptides overlap each other by 1 to 5 amino acids.

3. The composition of claim 1 wherein the second and third peptides overlap each other by 1 to 8 amino acids.

4. The composition of claim 1 wherein the third and fourth peptides overlap each other by 1 to 8 amino acids.

5. The composition of claim 1 wherein the fourth and fifth peptides overlap each other by 1 to 6 amino acids.

6. The composition of claim 1 wherein the fifth and sixth peptides overlap each other by 1 to 5 amino acids.

7. A composition comprising a plurality of peptide fragments comprising a first polypeptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 1-15 to amino acids 15-35 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a second peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 12-32 to amino acids 67-87 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a third peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 47-67 to amino acids 103- 123 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, and a fourth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 99-119 to amino acids 119-129 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

8. The composition of claim 7 wherein the first and second peptides overlap each other by 1 to 4 amino acids.

9. The composition of claim 7 wherein the second and third peptides overlap each other by 1 to 21 amino acids.

10. The composition of claim 7 wherein the third and fourth peptides overlap each other by 1 to 5 amino acids.

11. A composition comprising a plurality of Der p 1 contiguous overlapping peptide fragments comprising a first polypeptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 99-104 to amino acids 157-177 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a second peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 154-174 to amino acids 190-210 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a third peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 183-203 to amino acids 217-237 of SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a fourth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 210-230 to amino acids 244-264 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a fifth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 239-259 to amino acids 272-292 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a sixth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 268-288 to amino acids 310-320 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained; and a plurality of Der p2 contiguous overlapping peptide fragments comprising a first polypeptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 1-15 to amino acids 15-35 of SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a second peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 12-32 to amino acids 67-87 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a third peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 47-67 to amino acids 103- 123 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a fourth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 99-119 to amino acids 119-129 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

12. A peptide comprising the sequence from amino acid T99 to G 168 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 8) which is optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 27 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

13. The peptide of claim 12 having the sequence consisting of that of SEQ ID NO:

8.

14. A peptide having 95% sequence identity with the peptide of claim 12 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites-house dust mites is retained.

15. A peptide comprising the sequence from amino acid A 164 and ending at S200 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 12) which is optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 27 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

16. The peptide of claim 15 having the sequence consisting of that of SEQ ID NO:

12.

17. A peptide having 95% sequence identity with the peptide of claim 15 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

18. A peptide comprising the sequence from amino acid R193 and ending at E227 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 13) which is optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 27 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

19. The peptide of claim 18 having the sequence consisting of that of SEQ ID NO:

13.

20. A peptide having 95% sequence identity with the peptide of claim 18 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

21. A peptide comprising the sequence from amino acid P220 and ending at R254 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 14) which is optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 27 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

22. The peptide of claim 21 having the sequence consisting of that of SEQ ID NO:

14.

23. A peptide having 95% sequence identity with the peptide of claim 21 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

24. A peptide comprising the sequence from amino acid R249 and ending at D282 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 15) which is optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 27 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

25. The peptide of claim 24 having the sequence consisting of that of SEQ ID NO:

15.

26. A peptide having 95% sequence identity with the peptide of claim 24 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

27. A peptide comprising the sequence from amino acid A278 and ending at L320 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 11) which is optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 27 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

28. The peptide of claim 27 having the sequence consisting of that of SEQ ID NO:

11.

29. A peptide comprising the sequence from amino acid Dl and ending at E25 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 18) which is optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 28 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

30. The peptide of claim 29 having the sequence consisting of that of SEQ ID NO:

18.

31. A peptide having 95% sequence identity with the peptide of claim 29 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

32. A peptide comprising the sequence from amino acid H22 and ending at K77 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 19) which is optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 28 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

33. The peptide of claim 32 having the sequence consisting of that of SEQ ID NO:

19.

34. A peptide having 95% sequence identity with the peptide of claim 32 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

35. A peptide comprising the sequence from amino acid S57 and ending at Dl 13 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 24) which is optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 28 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

36. The peptide of claim 35 having the sequence consisting of that of SEQ ID NO:

24.

37. A peptide having 95% sequence identity with the peptide of claim 35 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

38. A peptide comprising the sequence from amino K109 and ending at D129 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 25) which is optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 28 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

39. The peptide of claim 38 having the sequence consisting of that of SEQ ID NO:

25.

40. A peptide having 95% sequence identity with the peptide of claim 38 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

41. A method of specific immunotherapy against house dust mites allergies comprising administering to a patient in need thereof one or more allergens selected from the group consisting of a first polypeptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 99-104 to amino acids 157-177 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a second peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 154-174 to amino acids 190-210 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a third peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 183-203 to amino acids 217-237 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a fourth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 210-230 to amino acids 244-264 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a fifth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 239-259 to amino acids 272-292 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a sixth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 268-288 to amino acids 310-320 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 27 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a seventh polypeptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 1-15 to amino acids 15-35 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, an eighth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 12-32 to amino acids 67-87 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a ninth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 47-67 to amino acids 93- 123 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, and a tenth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 99-119 to amino acids 119-129 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

42. The method of claim 41 wherein the peptides are administered using intradermal injection, subcutaneous injection, intramuscular injection, intravenous injection, transdermal, intranasal, oral, sublingual, intraocular, or intrathecal techniques.

43. The method of claim 41 wherein the patient is treated with the combination of a plurality of Der p 1 contiguous overlapping peptides comprising a first peptide starting at amino acid T99 and ending at G 168 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 8), a second peptide starting at amino acid A 164 and ending at S200 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 12), a third peptide starting at amino acids R193 and ending at E227 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 13), a fourth peptide starting at amino acids P220 and ending at R254 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 14), a fifth peptide starting at amino acids R249 and ending at D282 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 15), a sixth peptide starting at amino acids A278 and ending at L320 (SEQ ID NO: 11) which first through sixth peptides are optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 27, and a plurality of Der p 2 contiguous overlapping peptides comprising a first peptide starting at amino acids Dl and ending at E25 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 18), a second peptide starting at amino acids H22 and ending at K77 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 19), a third peptide starting at amino acids S57 and ending at Dl 13 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 24), and a fourth peptide starting at amino acids K109 and ending at D129 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to (SEQ ID NO: 25) which first through fourth peptides are optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 28 wherein the reactivity of said peptide to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

44. The method of claim 41 wherein the first and second peptides overlap each other by 1 to 5 amino acids.

45. The method of claim 41 wherein the second and third peptides overlap each other by 1 to 8 amino acids.

46. The method of claim 41 wherein the third and fourth peptides overlap each other by 1 to 8 amino acids.

47. The method of claim 41 wherein the fourth and fifth peptides overlap each other by 1 to 6 amino acids.

48. The method of claim 41 wherein the fifth and sixth peptides overlap each other by 1 to 5 amino acids.

49. The method of claim 41 wherein the seventh and eighth peptides overlap each other by 1 to 4 amino acids.

50. The method of claim 41 wherein the eighth and ninth peptides overlap each other by 1 to 21 amino acids.

51. The method of claim 41 wherein the ninth and tenth peptides overlap each other by 1 to 4 amino acids.

52. The method of claim 41 wherein the patient in need thereof is treated with at least five or six or seven or eight or nine or ten of said allergens.

53. The method of claim 41 wherein the peptides are administered in the presence of a denaturing or chaotropic agent.

54. The method of claim 41 wherein the chaotropic agent is guanidinium chloride.

55. The method of claim 41 wherein the allergens are provided in dry powdered form.

56. The method of claim 41 wherein the allergens further comprise a

pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

57. The method of claim 41 wherein the allergens further comprise an adjuvant

58. The method of claim 41 wherein the adjuvant is aluminium hydroxide.

59. A composition comprising a plurality of contiguous overlapping peptide fragments which fragments together comprise the entire amino acid sequence of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to Der p 2 (SEQ ID NO: 28) comprising a first polypeptide consisting of the sequence from amino acid 1 to amino acids 30-82 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a second peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 12-32 to amino acids 67-87 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a third peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 47-67 to amino acids 103- 123 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, and a fourth peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 89-109 to amino acid 129 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

60. A composition comprising a plurality of contiguous overlapping peptide fragments which fragments together comprise the entire amino acid sequence of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to Der p 2 (SEQ ID NO: 28) comprising a first polypeptide consisting of the sequence from amino acid 1 to amino acids 62-82 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, a second peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 47-67 to amino acids 103-123 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained, and a third peptide consisting of the sequence from amino acids 89-119 to amino acid 129 of a polypeptide having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 28 wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

61. A composition comprising a plurality of Der p 2 contiguous overlapping peptide fragments comprising a first peptide starting at amino acid Dl and ending at A72 of (SEQ ID NO: 16), a second peptide starting at amino acid S57 and ending at Dl 13 (SEQ ID NO: 24), and a third peptide selected from the group consisting of the peptide starting at amino acid K89 and ending at D129 of (SEQ ID NO: 28) or the peptide starting at amino acid K109 and ending at D129 (SEQ ID NO: 25) wherein the peptides are optionally elongated or truncated by from 1-3, 1-5, 1-10 or 1-15 amino acids along SEQ ID NO: 28 and wherein the reactivity of said peptides to IgE antibodies of subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is eliminated while the reactivity with the T lymphocytes from subjects who are allergic to house dust mites is retained.

62. The composition of claim 61 wherein said second peptide starting at amino acid S57 and ending at Dl 13 (SEQ ID NO: 24) is neither elongated nor truncated.

63. A method of specific immunotherapy against house dust mites allergies comprising administering to a patient in need thereof the composition of claim 59, 60, 61 or 62.