title: Induction of IgE antibodies with predefined specificity in rhesus monkeys with recombinant birch pollen allergens, Bet v 1 and Bet v 2.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Recombinant birch pollen allergens Bet v 1 and Bet v 2 (birch profilin) have been characterized in vitro previously.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To establish a close-to-man model of type I allergy, recombinant birch pollen allergens were injected into rhesus monkeys.
  
  
  METHODS
  The allergens were expressed in Escherichia coli, purified to homogeneity and injected into rhesus monkeys with aluminium hydroxide as adjuvans. The development of type I allergy was monitored by measurement of specific IgE, in vitro histamine release tests, cellular proliferation assays, skin testing, and bronchial provocation tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Immunized rhesus monkeys displayed symptoms of type I allergy comparable to those of allergic patients, and cross-reactivity of IgE antibodies with Bet v 1 and Bet v 2 homologous allergens was observed. Systemic application of corticosteroids during secondary immunizations suppressed specific antibody responses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recombinant birch pollen allergens (Bet v 1 and Bet v 2) were effective to establish a close-to-man model of natural type I allergy in rhesus monkeys, allowing study of specific IgE regulation in vivo.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Genetics, University of Salzburg, Austria.
authors.forename: F D
authors.initials: FD
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mayer
authors.forename: W R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Sperr
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Valent
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Seiberler
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ebner
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Liehl
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Scheiner
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kraft
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Valenta
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D052179:Antigens, Plant; D003285:Contractile Proteins; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood*; D008253:Macaca mulatta / Q000276:immunology*; D008840:Microfilament Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology*; D051304:Profilins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D052179:Antigens, Plant; D003285:Contractile Proteins; D008840:Microfilament Proteins; D010940:Plant Proteins; D051304:Profilins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C061312:Bet v 1 allergen, Betula; D007073:Immunoglobulin E