ISSN:
1398-9995
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
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.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1034/j.1398-9995.2001.00937.x
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