| abstract |
This application discloses that inositolphosphoglycans (IPGs) can be obtained from basophils, eosinophils and mast cells and that allergen stimulation of these cells results in IPG release. It also shows that IPGs are second messengers for allergic stimulation as the addition of some types of purified IPGs to non-allergen stimulated cells resulted in histamine release or degranulation. Thus, IPG antagonists can be used for the treatment of conditions (especially allergy and asthma) mediated by the release of IPGs from mast cells, basophils or eosinophils. Preferred IPG antagonists include anti-IPG antibodies, inhibitors of the enzyme GPI-PLD and competitive antagonists. |