Thermosensitive PLGA-PEG-PLGA Hydrogel as Depot Matrix for Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only currently available curative treatment option for allergic diseases. AIT often includes depot-forming and immunostimulatory adjuvants, to prolong allergen presentation and to improve therapeutic efficacy. The use of aluminium salts in AIT, which are commonly used as depot-forming adjuvants, is controversially discussed, due to health concerns and Th2-promoting activity.

Immunological effects of adjuvanted low-dose allergoid allergen-specific immunotherapy in experimental murine house dust mite allergy.

Background: Native allergen extracts or chemically modified allergoids are routinely used to induce allergen tolerance in allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), although mechanistic side-by-side studies are rare. It is paramount to balance optimal dose and allergenicity to achieve efficacy warranting safety. AIT safety and efficacy could be addressed by allergen dose reduction and/or use of allergoids and immunostimulatory adjuvants, respectively.

RelB Deficiency in Dendritic Cells Protects from Autoimmune Inflammation Due to Spontaneous Accumulation of Tissue T Regulatory Cells.

Foxp3 regulatory T cells are well-known immune suppressor cells in various settings. In this study, we provide evidence that knockout of the gene in dendritic cells (DCs) of C57BL/6 mice results in a spontaneous and systemic accumulation of Foxp3 T regulatory T cells (Tregs) partially at the expense of microbiota-reactive Tregs. Deletion of does not fully recapitulate this phenotype, indicating that alternative NF-κB activation via the RelB/p52 complex is not solely responsible for Treg accumulation.

IL-4 receptor α blockade prevents sensitization and alters acute and long-lasting effects of allergen-specific immunotherapy of murine allergic asthma.

Background: Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only causal treatment for allergy. However, success rates vary depending on the type of allergy and disease background of the patient. Hence, strategies targeting an increased therapeutic efficacy are urgently needed.

Characterization of the honeybee venom proteins C1q-like protein and PVF1 and their allergenic potential.

Honeybee (Apis mellifera) venom (HBV) represents an ideal model to study the role of particular venom components in allergic reactions in sensitized individuals as well as in the eusociality of Hymenoptera species. The aim of this study was to further characterize the HBV components C1q-like protein (C1q) and PDGF/VEGF-like factor 1 (PVF1). C1q and PVF1 were produced as recombinant proteins in insect cells.