Potential Vaccine for Pollen-Related Allergies

A potential vaccine for hay fever and other pollen-related allergies is being developed by researchers at the University of Melbourne (Australia). The vaccine significantly reduces the allergenic response although it remains capable of boosting an immune response in the patient.

The research team initially isolated the gene responsible for the production of rye grass, one of the most potent environmental allergens known. By making small modifications to the gene, nine different mutant forms of the original wild-type protein were produced. The protein of one of these mutations (mut 9) produced an allergic response reduced at least tenfold in all patients, compared to the wild type. The mutated gene was placed in a bacterium, which could then produce the modified protein in large quantities. In its purified form the protein becomes a potential vaccine.

Skin prick tests suggest that the new vaccine is safer and more effective than current immunotherapy. The latter carries a risk of lethal side effects that include anaphylactic shock. Analysis showed that the body's immune system retained its ability to respond to and build immunity against the potent group 5 allergens to which rye grass belongs.
The research team discovered that some of the modified proteins can have even better results with some patients, which suggests that patients could be matched with a vaccine tailored to their immune system or individual sensitivity.

"Our results contribute to the concept of using major pollen allergens for allergen-specific immunotherapy and to the safe and effective forms of allergy treatment,” said
Professor Mohan Singh, co-group leader.



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Univ. of Melbourne