The present invention provides nucleic acid sequences coding for the Cryptomeria
japonica major pollen allergen Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun s I and Jun v I and fragments
or peptides thereof. The present invention also provides purified Cry j I, Cry
j II, Jun s I and Jun v I and at least one fragment thereof produced in a host
cell transformed with a nucleic acid sequence coding for Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun
s I and Jun v I or at least one fragment thereof, and fragments of Cry j I, Cry
j II, Jun s I or Jun v I or at least one fragment thereof, and fragments of Cry
j I, Cry j II, Jun s I or Jun v I prepared synthetically. Cry j I, Cry j II, Jun
s I and Jun v I and fragments thereof are useful for diagnosing, treating, and
preventing Japanese cedar pollinosis. The present invention also provides isolated
peptides of Cry j I and Cry j II. Peptides within the scope of the invention comprise
at least one T cell epitope, or preferably at least two T cell epitopes of Cry
j I or Cry j II. The invention also pertains to modified peptides having similar
or enhanced therapeutic properties as the corresponding naturally-occurring allergen
or portion thereof but having reduced side effects. Methods of treatment or of
diagnosis of sensitivity to Japanese cedar pollens in an individual and therapeutic
compositions, and multipeptide formulations comprising one or more peptides of
the invention are also provided.