DNA-based vaccination for the treatment of food allergy.
At present, avoidance is the only therapeutic option available for individuals with food allergies. However, studies suggest that DNA-based vaccination might be an effective therapeutic option for the reversal of allergic hypersensitivities, including allergies to foods. Because severe anaphylactic reactions represent a life-threatening risk for individuals with food allergies, we and others have evaluated the effectiveness of DNA-based vaccination for the prevention of anaphylactic hypersensitivity in murine models. Our investigations demonstrated that primary gene and protein/immunostimulatory sequence oligodeoxynucleotide (ISS-ODN) vaccination of subsequently Th2-sensitized mice reduced the risk of death after anaphylactic challenge, significantly. In addition, gene and protein/ISS-ODN vaccination reduced post challenge plasma histamine levels. Analysis of the immune profiles of mice receiving DNA-based vaccines showed that both gene and protein/ISS-ODN vaccination effectively prevented the development of Th2-biased immune profiles after sensitization. In contrast, vaccination with protein alone, the experimental equivalent of the traditional protein-based immunotherapy (IT) reagents used in clinical practice provided no protection from anaphylaxis, nor did it prevent the development of a Th2-biased immune profile after allergen sensitization. These studies justify continued optimism in the potential of DNA-based vaccination for the desensitization of food allergic individuals.
Nguyen
M D
MD
Department of Medicine and The Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
Cinman
N
N
Yen
J
J
Horner
A A
AA
D000485:Allergens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000517:prevention & control; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D019444:Vaccines, DNA / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000485:Allergens; D019444:Vaccines, DNA