A hypoallergenic derivative of the major allergen of the dust mite Lepidoglyphus destructor, Lep d 2.6Cys, induces less IgE reactivity and cellular response in the skin than recombinant Lep d 2

Background. The major allergen of the dust mite Lepidoglyphus destructor, L ep d 2, has been produced as a recombinant allergen (rLep d 2) with IgE rea ctivity both in vivo and in vitro. A modified form of rLep d 2 (rLep d 2.6C ys) obtained by site-directed mutagenesis has been shown to have a reduced IgE reactivity in vitro. In this study we have compared the ability of rLep d 2 and rLep d 2.6Cys to elicit positive skin prick tests and cellular res ponses among L. destructor-sensitized subjects. Methods: Seventeen subjects were skin prick-tested with rLep d 2, rLep d 2.6Cys, histamine and negativ e controls and 17-20 h later skin biopsy specimens were taken from the skin prick-tested sites. The biopsy specimens were stained immunohistochemicall y for EG2+, CD3+, CD1a+, mast cell tryptase+, and IgE+ cells. Dermal cell i nfiltrates were judged in hematoxylin and eosin staining. Total IgE and all ergen-specific IgE were determined by CAP-RAST. Results: Compared to rLep d 2, rLep d 2.6Cys induced significantly smaller and fewer skin prick test r eactions (p < 0.001) and dermal cell infiltrates (p < 0.05). Further, rLep d 2.6Cys induced fewer EG2+ cells (p < 0.001) but more tryptase+ cells (p < 0.05) than rLep d 2. A positive RAST to rLep d 2 was obtained for 88.2% of the subjects, while only 35.2% displayed a positive RAST to rLep d 2.6Cys. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that rLep d 2.6Cys is less able to evo ke IgE-mediated reactions and cellular responses, as measured both in skin and in serum, than rLep d 2. In the future this hypoallergenic derivative m ay be a promising candidate molecule for immunotherapy of L. destructor-all ergic patients. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.