title: Proof of concept of the preventive efficacy of high-dose recombinant mono-allergen immunotherapy in atopic dogs sensitized to the Dermatophagoides farinae allergen Der f 2.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Allergen immunotherapy is currently the only intervention proposed to specifically prevent clinical flares after allergen challenges. The low molecular weight Der f 2 (Df2) is a major allergen in Japanese dogs sensitized to Dermatophagoides farinae house dust mites.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Pilot, blinded, placebo-controlled experiment testing the efficacy of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) with high doses of recombinant Df2 conjugated to the maltotriose pullulan (rDf2-P).
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight Maltese beagle atopic dogs were sensitized to rDf2 then randomized to SCIT with rDf2-P (six dogs) or placebo (two). The immunotherapy consisted of six weekly injections of increasing doses (0.1-10.0 μg) of rDf2-P followed by four monthly injections of 10 μg of this allergen. Epicutaneous rDf2 challenges, rDf2-specific IgE serology and intradermal reactivity, as well as serum cytokine level measurements, were performed throughout the study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Subcutaneous injections of placebo did not alter the cutaneous reactivity after rDf2 challenge, while that of the dogs treated with rDf2-P SCIT disappeared in five of six dogs (83%) and was reduced in one of six (17%). During SCIT maintenance, skin lesion scores were significantly lower in dogs receiving SCIT compared to those treated with placebo. This clinical improvement was accompanied by a concurrent, yet not significant, decrease in rDf2-specific IgE serology and immediate intradermal reactivity. Cytokine serum levels were inconclusive. There were no adverse events seen with rDf2-P SCIT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The new mono-allergen SCIT appears safe and effective for reducing skin lesions after allergen challenges; it deserves further testing in dogs with spontaneous atopic dermatitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, NC State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA.|Comparative Medicine Institute, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606, USA.
authors.forename: Thierry
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1399-0034
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Olivry
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, NC State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA.
authors.forename: Judy S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Paps
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, NC State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA.
authors.forename: Stanley M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Dunston
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology*; D060829:Arthropod Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology*; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000276:immunology / Q000662:veterinary*; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D004285:Dogs; D004306:Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic; D007428:Intradermal Tests; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D065566:Subcutaneous Absorption
chemical_list: D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D060829:Arthropod Proteins; C451160:Dermatophagoides farinae antigen f 2; D011994:Recombinant Proteins