Recent advances in the use of nanoparticles for allergen‐specific immunotherapy

Abstract

The number of patients suffering from allergic asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis has increased dramatically within the last decades. Allergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only available cause‐oriented therapy so far. AIT reduces symptoms, but has also a disease‐modifying effect. Disadvantages are a long‐lasting procedure, and in a few cases potential systemic adverse reactions. Encapsulation of allergens or DNA vaccines into nanostructures may provide advantages compared to the conventional AIT with noncapsulated allergen extracts: The protein/DNA molecule can be protected from degradation, higher local concentrations and targeted delivery to the site of action appear possible, and most importantly, recognition of encapsulated allergen by the immune system, especially by IgE antibodies, is prevented. AIT with nanoparticles (NPs) may offer a safer and potentially more efficient way of treatment for allergic diseases. In this review, we summarize the use of biodegradable NPs consisting of synthetic or natural polymers, liposomes, and virus‐like particles as well as nonbiodegradable NPs like dendrimers, and carbon‐ or metal‐based NPs for AIT. More or less successful applications of these NPs in prophylactic as well as therapeutic vaccination approaches in rodents or other animals as well as first human clinical trials are discussed in detail.

Recent developments and highlights in food allergy

“…152,153 Given the adverse reactions experienced with OIT, adjunctive treatments are being investigated as has recently been reviewed. [154][155][156][157] Adjunctive therapies being investigated include TLR4 agonists, TLR9 agonists, nanoparticles encapsulating peanut allergen, Chinese herbal medicine (food allergy herbal formula [FAHF-2]), probiotics, biologicals including omalizumab, anti-histamines, and leukotriene receptor antagonists. Anti-IgE therapies are the closest to clinical application with omalizumab-granted breakthrough therapy designation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the investigation of its role in food allergy.…”

Future research trends in understanding the mechanisms underlying allergic diseases for improved patient care

“…Allergen‐specific immunotherapy is usually given as subcutaneous injections or sublingually, but novel treatment forms such as peptide immunotherapy, intralymphatic immunotherapy and use of recombinant allergens, and immune‐modulating adjuvants and nanoparticles are under development.…”

“…213 Moreover, there is some evidence that AIT is cost-effective in AR with or without asthma. 214 Allergen-specific immunotherapy is usually given as subcutaneous injections 215,216 or sublingually, [217][218][219] but novel treatment forms such as peptide immunotherapy, 11,220 intralymphatic immunotherapy 11,220 and use of recombinant allergens, and immune-modulating adjuvants and nanoparticles 21,220,221 are under development.…”

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

“…Given the large degree of attention the immune system is paying to the encounter with nanoparticles, a number of strategies based on nanoparticle technology and intended to induce desired or modulate undesired immune reactions for the benefit of patients have been developed . Along those lines, virus‐like nanoparticles (VNP) but also liposomal preparations have been established and characterized recently . Paying tribute to the increasing incidence of allergies, which has reached 30% within our populations , this review will highlight the latest advances regarding nanoparticle‐based treatment strategies of allergic diseases explaining how virus‐like nanoparticles but also artificially synthetized liposomes may help to fight and/or protect from this widespread disease.…”