Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus group 2 allergen bound to 8-OH modified adenine reduces the Th2-mediated airway inflammation without inducing a Th17 response and autoimmunity

Formulations for Allergen Immunotherapy in Human and Veterinary Patients: New Candidates on the Horizon

Allergen immunotherapy is currently the only causal treatment for allergic diseases in human beings and animals. It aims to re-direct the immune system into a tolerogenic or desensitized state. Requirements include clinical efficacy, safety, and schedules optimizing patient or owner compliance. To achieve these goals, specific allergens can be formulated with adjuvants that prolong tissue deposition and support uptake by antigen presenting cells, and/or provide a beneficial immunomodulatory action. Here, we depict adjuvant formulations being investigated for human and veterinary allergen immunotherapy.

[Adjuvants]

It is estimated that only 5% of all patients who can principally benefit from specific immunotherapy (SIT) undergo this treatment. SIT represents the only curative treatment for allergic disorders and efficacy has been demonstrated with various allergens. There is an urgent demand for the development of safe preparations with enhanced efficacy achievable by only a few administrations. Adjuvants are pharmacological or immunological acting molecules modifying the specific immunological response to allergens. In vaccine technology, adjuvants are broadly used to enhance immunogenicity of highly purified antigens with low immune stimulating activity. Adjuvants may target to a retarded allergen release, a modulation of the immune system, or can be used as vector systems to transport allergens and adjuvants effectively to target cells.