NOVEL CONCEPTS FOR THE THERAPY OF TYPE-I ALLERGIC DISEASES

The molecular characterization of allergens with recombinant DNA techn iques allowed cDNA sequences to be obtained and, hence, information re garding the primary structure of allergens. It is now possible to expr ess well-defined recombinant allergens in heterologous expression syst ems and to obtain large amounts of highly pure recombinant allergens f or the improvement of current diagnosis and therapy of type I allergic diseases. Due to extensive cross-reactivities and structural similari ties of the relevant allergens it is possible to define a limited numb er of allergens, which is a prerequisite for allergen-specific therape utic concepts. Specific concepts of active immunotherapy and strategie s of passive therapeutic interference based on recombinant techniques are discussed.