DermAll nanomedicine for allergen-specific immunotherapy

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) the only disease-modifying treatment for IgE-mediated allergies is characterized with long treatment duration and high risk of side effects. We investigated the safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of a novel ASIT, called DermAll, in an experimental allergic rhinitis model. We designed and characterized DermAll-OVA, a synthetic plasmid pDNA/PEIm nanomedicine expressing ovalbumin (OVA) as model allergen. DermAll-OVA was administered topically with DermaPrep device to target Langerhans cells. To detect the clinical efficacy of DermAll ASIT we quantified the nasal symptoms and characterized the immunomodulatory activity of DermAll ASIT by measuring cytokine secretion after OVA-stimulation of splenocytes and antibodies from the sera. In allergic mice DermAll ASIT was as safe as Placebo, balanced the allergen-induced pathogenic TH2-polarized immune responses, and decreased the clinical symptoms by 52% [32%, 70%] compared to Placebo. These studies suggest that DermAll ASIT is safe and should significantly improve the immunopathology and symptoms of allergic diseases.From the Clinical EditorA novel allergen-specific immunotherapy for IgE-mediated allergies is presented in this paper, using an experimental allergic rhinitis model and a synthetic plasmid pDNA/PEIm nanomedicine expressing ovalbumin as model allergen. Over 50% reduction of symptoms was found as the immune system's balance was favorably altered toward more TH2-polarized immune responses.

Graphical AbstractAllergen exposures cause pathogenic TH2-polarized immune responses. We hypothesize that allergy might be cured by balancing the TH2/TH1 responses to allergens. The immunological activity of DermAll was associated with clinical improvement measured as the reduction of allergic symptoms. Based on the results in mouse model we propose that DermAll might be most effective when administered in an allergen-free period to increase the immunological and clinical recovery during the following allergen exposures. However, we expect a faster recovery in the absence of safety problems when we continue DermAll during the period of allergen exposures to keep balancing the allergen-specific immune responses.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (120 K)Download as PowerPoint slide