Immunostimulatory DNA-based therapeutics for experimental and clinical allergy

Abstract

Although allergen immunotherapy (IT) has been shown to modulate allergic hypersensitivities, its efficacy is limited. Recently, in various models of experimental allergy, a number of reagents which we have termed immunostimulatory DNA-based therapeutics have proven highly effective in both the prevention and reversal of Th2 mediated hypersensitivity states. These include immunization with gene vaccines, allergen mixed with immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleotide (ISS-ODN), and physical allergen: ISS-conjugates (AIC), and immunomodulation with ISS-ODN alone. Results from our laboratory have shown that immunostimulatory DNA-based therapeutics may be effective for the reversal of allergic hypersensitivity states in humans and several clinical trials have already been initiated. This review will focus on our laboratory's experience with immunostimulatory DNA-based therapeutics in various murine models of allergy and their potential utility in the treatment of allergic patients.