Anti-allergy vaccinations
Developing vaccines again allergic conditions is a multifaceted challenge hampered by a number of obstacles. Past EC-funded studies developed early-stage DNA vaccine candidates, encoding for specific allergens. The aim of the EC-funded ALLDNAVAC was to further the existing research on this topic and study the immunological modifications induced by this vaccine type. Project partners used the allergic airway disease model to evaluate different vaccination approaches. Allergy was induced by the human allergen house-dust-mite-derived Der p1. Gene gun vaccinations were carried out after sensitisation and before challenge with allergen. This was said to "resemble" real-life situation where only those suffering with allergies would receive vaccinations to prevent symptom onset. The studies showed that allergic reactions can be prevented by vaccination between the stages of sensitisation and allergen challenge. Specific immunological effects have been partly attributed to non-specific bacterial DNA effects on APCs (antigen presenting cells). Further research is needed to validate this specific approach and to judge the suitability of alternatives.
