DNA Replicons - Next-generation Vaccines against Allergy

In this study, DNA vaccines based on alphaviral replicases (DNA replicons) were evaluated with respect to their protective and therapeutic capacity for treatment of type I allergy. DNA replicons display specific danger signals and offer an excellent safety profile based on apoptotic elimination of transfected host cells thereby preventing undesirable long-term expression of the transfected gene. Using the model allergen beta-Galactosidase in a protective approach, the results showed that a replicase-based DNA vaccine can induce a comparable immune response at a more than 1000-fold lower dose than a conventional DNA vaccine. DNA replicon doses as low as 10 ng significantly prevented from IgE induction by subcutaneous protein sensitization. Furthermore, in a therapeutic approach with the same construct, DNA replicons balanced an ongoing allergic response. These data were confirmed with a DNA replicon encoding the clinically relevant timothy grass pollen allergen Phl p 5. In addition, lung pathology could be prevented by pre-vaccination with DNA replicons as measured by the magnitude of eosinophilia, goblet cell hyperplasia, IL-5 production and proliferation of endothelial cells.

• | Author: Maximilian Gabler
• | Publisher: VDM Verlag Dr. Mueller E.K.
• | Publication Date: Apr 08, 2008
• | Number of Pages: 132 pages
• | Binding: Paperback or Softback
• | ISBN-10: 3836495554
• | ISBN-13: 9783836495554