INDUCTION OF IGE ANTIBODIES WITH PREDEFINED SPECIFICITY IN RHESUS-MONKEYS WITH RECOMBINANT BIRCH POLLEN ALLERGENS, BET-V-1 AND BET-V-2

Background: Recombinant birch pollen allergens Bet v 1 and Bet v 2 (bi rch profilin) have been characterized in vitro previously. Objective: To establish a close-to-man model of type I allergy, recombinant birch pollen allergens were injected into rhesus monkeys. Methods: The alle rgens were expressed in Escherichia coli, purified to homogeneity and injected into rhesus monkeys with aluminium hydroxide as adjuvans. Tir e development of type I allergy was monitored by measurement of specif ic IgE, in vitro histamine release tests, cellular proliferation assay s, skin testing, and bronchial provocation tests. Results: Immunized r esults monkeys displayed symptoms of type I allergy comparable to thos e of allergic patients, and cross-reactivity of IgE antibodies with Be t v 1 and Bet v 2 homologous allergens was observed. Systemic applicat ion of corticosteroids during seconding immunizations suppressed speci fic antibody responses. Conclusion: Recombinant birch pollen allergens (Bet v 1 and Bet v 2) were effective to establish a close-to-man mode l of natural type I allergy in rhesus monkeys, allowing study of speci fic IgE regulation in vivo.