Immunostimulatory nucleic acid molecules

Abstract

Nucleic acids containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides and therapeutic utilities based on their ability to stimulate an immune response and to redirect a Th2 response to a Th1 response in a subject are disclosed. Methods for treating atopic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, are disclosed.

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