BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF A FORMULATED ALLERGOID FROM DERMATOPHAGOIDES-PTERONYSSINUS

A comparative study between the biological properties of the allergen Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) and its formolated allergoid (DpHC HO) was performed. After immunizing rats with Dp or DpHCHO the serum l evel time course of IgE and IgG was determined by passive cutaneous an aphylaxis (PCA) and indirect-ELISA, respectively. The avidity for IgE (PCA and PCA-inhibition) or IgG (indirect ELISA and ELISA inhibition) and the ability to induce anaphylactic shock were also determined. Ser um IgE pattern differs between Dp and DpHCHO while IgG levels were gre ater after DpHCHO. The allergoid has lost the ability to bind IgE whil e its avidity for IgG falls 5-6 times. The allergoid, but not the alle rgen, fails to induce anaphylactic shock. A schedule for assaying the biological characteristics of allergoids is presented.