Genetic engineering of allergenes for Immunotherapy

Allergen-specific immunotherapy was introduced into clinical practice at the beginning of the 20th century and its efficacy in seasonal allergic rhinitis has been confirmed in many clinical studies showing that this treatment is able to prevent the onset of new sensitizations to different allergens and reduces the development of asthma in patients with allergic rhinitis. Progress in molecular cloning and characterization of allergens allowed the production of single recombinant allergens whose immunological properties were tested in vitro and in vivo demonstrating that they retain properties resembling their natural counterpart. Several rational approaches are being developed to improve the efficacy of SIT by reducing immunoglobulin IgE-mediated adverse reactions. Some of these molecules have been tested into the clinic demonstrating the feasibility of using biotechnology-derived products as new standardized, improved and safer therapeutic compositions.