Asthma Associated Factors as Targets for Treating Atopic Allergies Including Asthma and Related Disorders

Abstract

A C to T DNA variation at position 3365 in exon 5 of the human Asthma Associated Factor 1 (AAF1) produces the predicted amino acid substitution of a methionine for a threonine at codon 117 of AAF1. When this substitution occurs in both alleles in one individual, it is associated with less evidence of atopic allergy including asthma, fewer abnormal skin test responses, and a lower serum total IgE. Thus, applicant has identified the existence of a non-asthmatic, non-atopic phenotype characterized by methionine at codon 117 when it occurs in both AAF1 gene products in one individual.

1 .- 109 . (canceled) 
     
     
         110 . A composition comprising a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13 or 14. 
     
     
         111 . The composition of  claim 110 , wherein the polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13. 
     
     
         112 . The composition of  claim 110 , wherein the polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14. 
     
     
         113 . The composition of  claim 110 , wherein the polypeptide consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13 or 14. 
     
     
         114 . A pharmaceutical composition suitable for human use, the composition comprising a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13 or 14 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         115 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 114 , wherein the polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13. 
     
     
         116 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 114 , wherein the polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14. 
     
     
         117 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 114 , wherein the polypeptide consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13 or 14. 
     
     
         118 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 115 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14. 
     
     
         119 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 115 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15. 
     
     
         120 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 115 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16. 
     
     
         121 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 116 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13. 
     
     
         122 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 116 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15. 
     
     
         123 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 116 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16. 
     
     
         124 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 114 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises from about 0.001 to about 5% by weight of the polypeptide. 
     
     
         125 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 114 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises from about 0.01 to about 1% by weight of the polypeptide. 
     
     
         126 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 114 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for systemic or topical administration. 
     
     
         127 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 114 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for intravenous, intraperitoneal or intra-lesional administration. 
     
     
         128 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 114 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated as a powder, pill, tablet, syrup or elixir. 
     
     
         129 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 114 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for administration by inhalation. 
     
     
         130 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 129 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for administration by an inhaler. 
     
     
         131 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 130 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for administration by a metered-dose inhaler. 
     
     
         132 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 130 , wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for administration by a dry-powder inhaler.