Can we genetically engineer safer and more effective immunotherapy reagents?
OBJECTIVE
Progress in allergen-specific immunotherapy, the only causative form of allergy treatment, was limited by the lack of defined allergen molecules for vaccine formulation. Today the genetic informations for the most common allergens have been obtained. Here we review recombinant allergen-based technologies for the improvement of diagnosis and therapy of allergy.


RESULTS
Numerous strategies, including the genetic engineering of allergens for reduction of allergenic activity, have been developed to improve allergen-specific immunotherapy. Genetically modified allergen derivatives with reduced allergenic activity, preserved T cell epitope repertoire and retained immunogenicity have been characterized in vitro and in vivo.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on the review of the recently published data we argue that it is possible to genetically engineer safer and more effective immunotherapy reagents.
Westritschnig
Kerstin
K
Department of Pathophysiology, Vienna General Hospital, University of Vienna, Austria.
Valenta
Rudolf
R
D000941:Antigens / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000628:therapy*; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D016233:Immunotherapy, Active / Q000379:methods; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology
D000941:Antigens; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D007073:Immunoglobulin E