Proteins producing an altered immunogenic response and methods of making the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel methods and compositions for producing hyper and hypo allergenic compositions. Specifically, the present invention comprises neutralizing or reducing the ability of T-cells to recognize epitopes and thus prevent sensitization of an individual to the protein. Alternatively, T-cell epitopes are mutated to produce increased immunogenic reactions. Moreover, naturally occurring proteins are provided.

1 - 10 . (canceled)  
     
     
         11 . A nucleic acid encoding a variant of a polypeptide of interest comprising a T-cell epitope, wherein said variant differs from said polypeptide of interest by having an altered T-cell epitope such that said variant produces an immunogenic response in an individual which is greater than the immunogenic response produced by said polypeptide of interest, wherein said T-cell epitope of said polypeptide of interest is altered to produce said variant, and wherein said polypeptide of interest is an enzyme selected from the group consisting of lipase, cellulase, endo-glucosidase H, protease, carbohydrases, reductase, oxidase, isomerase, transferase, kinase and phosphatase.  
     
     
         12 . An expression vector comprising the nucleic acid of  claim 11 .  
     
     
         13 . A host cell transformed with the expression vector of  claim 12 .  
     
     
         14 - 28 . (canceled)