Critical role of mammalian target of rapamycin for IL-10 dendritic cell induction by a flagellin A conjugate in preventing allergic sensitization.

Background: Fusion proteins incorporating the Toll-like receptor 5 ligand flagellin are currently undergoing clinical trials as vaccine candidates for many diseases.

Objective: We studied the mechanisms of immune modulation by a flagellin:allergen fusion protein containing the Toll-like receptor 5 ligand flagellin A from Listeria monocytogenes and the birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 (recombinant flagellin A [rFlaA]:Betv1).

Methods: BALB/c mice were vaccinated with rFlaA:Betv1 in an experimental Bet v 1 sensitization model.