Allergens displayed on virus‐like particles are highly immunogenic but fail to activate human mast cells

Abstract

These findings indicate that repetitively displaying allergens on VLPs increases their immunogenicity while reducing their potential to cause anaphylactic reactions by essentially eliminating IgE-mediated activation of mast cells.

A Single Monoclonal Antibody against the Peanut Allergen Ara h 2 Protects against Systemic and Local Peanut Allergy

“…As immunotherapy (SIT) is typically thought to be allergen-specific, the preferred therapeutic concept is the use of allergen extracts for SIT to target all possible allergens. Efficacy and safety of this approach may be enhanced by using allergoids [6] or displaying allergens on virus-like particles [7] and optimizing the use of adjuvants [8]. Nevertheless, the use and standardization of allergen extracts is complex and immunogenicity/efficacy remains limited.…”

All the small things: How virus‐like particles and liposomes modulate allergic immune responses

“…Interestingly, both Engeroff et al. and Kratzer et al. could demonstrate that allergens displayed on the surface of VNP induced much weaker degranulation of IgE‐sensitized effector cells when compared to equimolar concentrations of the respective soluble allergens (Fel d 1 and Art v 1) .…”

“…However, this strategy also increases the risk for adverse reactions in already sensitized individuals, since allergen‐VNP might lead to IgE cross‐linking on effector cells resulting in mediator release and anaphylaxis. Until today, only a small collection of full‐length allergens have been attached/targeted to the surface of VNP and subsequently evaluated, which include the major house dust mite allergen Der p 1 , the major cat dander allergen Fel d 1 , and the major mugwort pollen allergen Art v 1 . Interestingly, both Engeroff et al.…”

“…However, this strategy also increases the risk for adverse reactions in already sensitized individuals, since allergen-VNP might lead to IgE cross-linking on effector cells resulting in mediator release and anaphylaxis. Until today, only a small collection of full-length allergens have been attached/targeted to the surface of VNP and subsequently evaluated, which include the major house dust mite allergen Der p 1 [88], the major cat dander allergen Fel d 1 [89,90], and the major mugwort pollen allergen Art v 1 [91]. Interestingly, both Engeroff et al [89] and Kratzer et al [91] could demonstrate that allergens displayed on the surface of VNP induced much weaker degranulation of IgE-sensitized effector cells when compared to equimolar concentrations of the respective soluble allergens (Fel d 1 and Art v 1) [89,91].…”

Prevention of allergy by virus‐like nanoparticles (VNP) delivering shielded versions of major allergens in a humanized murine allergy model

“…The principle of linking allergens to particles has been already suggested as possible AIT strategy. This approach can be used to reduce the allergenic activity of allergens and to enhance their immunogenicity . Likewise, VNP may be used as allergen carriers .…”