DNA-based vaccination for the treatment of food allergy

At present, avoidance is the only therapeutic option available for individu als with food allergies. However, studies suggest that DNA-based vaccinatio n might be an effective therapeutic option for the reversal of allergic hyp ersensitivities, including allergies to foods. Because severe anaphylactic reactions represent a life-threatening risk for individuals with food aller gies, we and others have evaluated the effectiveness of DNA-based vaccinati on for the prevention of anaphylactic hypersensitivity in murine models. Ou r investigations demonstrated that primary gene and protein/immunostimulato ry sequence oligodeoxynucleotide (ISS-ODN) vaccination of subsequently Th2- sensitized mice reduced the risk of death after anaphylactic challenge, sig nificantly. In addition, gene and protein/ISS-ODN vaccination reduced post challenge plasma histamine levels. Analysis of the immune pro files of mice receiving DNA-based vaccines showed that both gene and protein/ISS-ODN vac cination effectively prevented the development of Th2-biased immune profile s after sensitization. In contrast, vaccination with protein alone, the exp erimental equivalent of the traditional protein-based immunotherapy (IT) re agents used in clinical practice provided no protection from anaphylaxis, n or did it prevent the development of a Th2-biased immune profile after alle rgen sensitization. These studies justify continued optimism in the potenti al of DNA-based vaccination for the desensitization of food allergic indivi duals.