University of Copenhagen Researchers Develop Innovative Hay Fever Treatment
Introduction to Allergen Immunotherapy
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark are pioneering a new hay fever treatment through genetically engineered vaccines aimed at specific allergic reactions. One effective approach to mitigating allergic reactions is allergen immunotherapy, which involves gradually exposing patients to increasing doses of allergens. The objective of this therapy is to reduce or even eliminate allergy symptoms over time. However, a notable drawback is the lengthy duration required for tolerance to be established.
New Vaccine Development
The study, recently published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, originates from the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. The newly developed vaccine incorporates hay fever allergens that are linked to sugar molecules, enabling targeted action towards specific immune cells.
Step 1: Selecting the Ideal Sugar Molecule
The initial phase of testing focused on identifying the most suitable sugar molecule to attach to the allergen for optimal immune response induction. Researchers assessed five different sugar molecules and found that immune cells showed a stronger response to GalNAc and mannose types. Consequently, these sugar molecules were selected for integration into the vaccine model. The theory posits that allergens linked to these sugars would be more efficiently absorbed and eliminated by the targeted immune cells.
By employing a fluorescent dye to label the allergen, the researchers were able to visualize the entry of Bet v 1, a common hay fever allergen, into immune cells. Results indicated that the Bet v 1 allergen bound to GalNAc and mannose was absorbed more readily compared to those attached to a non-sugar molecule. While these findings confirm the ease of uptake in mouse models, they do not guarantee the establishment of an immune response.
Step 2: Immune Response Detection
The subsequent step involved detecting an immune response following allergen uptake by immune cells. Upon initial exposure to an allergen, primary T cells in the body replicate with slight structural modifications, preparing for future encounters with various allergens. The primary immune response was measured through the proliferation of specific T cells and the release levels of immune factors known as cytokines.
Laboratory tests showed that T cell replication significantly increased after exposure to the Bet v 1 allergen compared to the non-sugar bound variant. However, cytokine release results were less definitive, revealing both anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Step 3: Vaccine Testing in Animal Models
Finally, researchers evaluated their vaccine model in a group of mice susceptible to hay fever. The mice received pre-treatment with the Bet v 1 allergen linked to the GalNAc sugar molecule to stimulate an initial immune response. This experiment aimed to quantify the immune response in mice treated with the sugar-bound vaccine compared to those receiving a non-sugar bound version.
Results demonstrated that mice administered the sugar-bound vaccine exhibited a decreased immune response after the primary exposure to Bet v 1 compared to those injected with the non-sugar bound vaccine. This reduced immune response persisted even after subsequent exposure to natural Bet v 1 extracts, indicating that the vaccine successfully induced tolerance in mice.
Conclusion: Promising Laboratory Findings
In conclusion, initial studies on this innovative hay fever treatment reveal promising outcomes in a laboratory environment. Further research is necessary to establish a comprehensive database of sugar molecules targeting various immune system cells. The potential application of this targeted tolerance induction approach may extend beyond allergies, offering insights for treatments in oncology and autoimmune diseases.
References
Mathiesen CBK, Carlsson MC, Brand S, et al. Genetically engineered cell factories produce glycoengineered vaccines that target antigen-presenting cells and reduce antigen-specific T-cell reactivity. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2018.
Call ME. Antigen-presenting cells. Uptodate Wolturs Kluwer. 2017.
Moran TP, Burks AW. Is clinical tolerance possible after allergen immunotherapy? Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2015.
University of Copenhagen The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. New allergy vaccine for hay fever shows promising results. Press Release. 2018 Sept 26. https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-09/uoct-nav092618.php