Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
10:31
Antigenic Liposomes for Generation of Disease-specific Antibodies
Published on: October 25, 2018
Genetic engineering of allergens for immunotherapy
1Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy.
Inflammation & Allergy Drug Targets
|June 18, 2009
Summary
Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) prevents new allergies and asthma in allergic rhinitis patients. Advances in recombinant allergens and biotechnology offer safer, standardized ASIT treatments.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) has been used since the early 20th century.
- Clinical studies confirm ASIT's efficacy in treating seasonal allergic rhinitis.
- ASIT can prevent new allergen sensitizations and reduce asthma development in allergic rhinitis patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore advancements in ASIT using molecularly characterized recombinant allergens.
- To investigate novel approaches for improving ASIT efficacy and safety.
- To assess the feasibility of biotechnology-derived products for ASIT.
Main Methods:
- Production and characterization of single recombinant allergens.
- In vitro and in vivo testing of immunological properties of recombinant allergens.
- Clinical trials evaluating novel ASIT compositions and approaches.
Main Results:
- Recombinant allergens retain immunological properties similar to natural counterparts.
- Biotechnology enables the development of standardized and improved ASIT products.
- Approaches to reduce immunoglobulin IgE-mediated reactions are being developed and tested.
Conclusions:
- Recombinant allergen technology offers a promising avenue for safer and more effective ASIT.
- Biotechnology-derived products represent a new generation of therapeutic compositions for allergy treatment.
- Further development of ASIT holds potential for improved management of allergic diseases.
Related Concept Videos
02:06Allergic Reactions
Overview
00:49What is Genetic Engineering?
Overview
01:30Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction mediated by Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When IgE binds to allergens, it triggers the release of mediators– histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins from mast cells and basophils. These mediators cause vasodilation, edema, and inflammation, leading to various symptoms.The primary allergens causing anaphylaxis include food items (e.g., peanuts, shellfish), drugs (e.g., penicillin, asparaginase, corticotropin, heparin),...
01:10Antibody Structure
Overview
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...
00:42Cross-reactivity
Overview
01:27Allergic Drug Reactions
Allergic reactions related to drugs are hypersensitivity responses driven by the immune system and bear no connection to the drug's therapeutic action. While drugs in isolation do not trigger an immune response, they can interact with endogenous proteins to form antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies. IgE-type antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the same stimulus, the antigen-antibody interaction is initiated, unleashing numerous...