title: Passive immunization with allergen-specific antibodies.
abstract: The induction of allergen-specific IgG antibodies has been identified as a major mechanism responsible for the reduction of allergic inflammation in allergic patients treated by allergen-specific immunotherapy. Several studies suggest that allergen-specific IgG antibodies induced by vaccination with allergens block mast cell and basophil degranulation, IgE-facilitated allergen presentation to T cells and IgE production. The availability of recombinant allergens and technologies for the production of recombinant human antibodies allows engineering of allergen-specific antibodies which can be used for passive immunization (i.e., therapy) and eventually for the prevention of allergy (i.e., prophylaxis). This chapter summarizes data supporting the possible use of allergen-specific antibodies for treatment and prophylaxis. Finally, concrete approaches for the treatment and prevention of allergy based on blocking antibodies are envisioned.
authors.affiliation: Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Vienna General Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria. sabine.flicker@meduniwien.ac.at
authors.forename: Sabine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Flicker
authors.forename: Elisabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gadermaier
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Madritsch
authors.forename: Rudolf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Valenta
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D019138:Antibodies, Blocking / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D000915:Antibody Affinity; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D007116:Immunization, Passive / Q000379:methods*; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D019138:Antibodies, Blocking; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D007073:Immunoglobulin E