Allergoid

Allergoids are chemically modified allergens that are used in specific immunotherapy ( desensitization ).

construction

The principle of allergoids is based on the change in the three-dimensional structure of the native allergens ( proteins ). Native allergens are chemically modified by polymerization with formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde. The altered three-dimensional structure in comparison to the native allergens a lower number of B cells - epitopes and IgE bonds. The allergoids are no longer recognized so well by the allergy- causing IgE antibodies . The allergic symptoms are reduced. However, the original structure of the allergens is not completely destroyed. The amino acid sequence remains unchanged. The T-cell epitopes required for the desired immune modulation therefore remain. This maintains the tolerance-building effect, while at the same time being better tolerated by the allergoids.

So-called depigmented allergoids now exist. In the context of depigmentation , allergoids are removed with the help of a modern purification process. The result is a high-dose allergen that is used particularly for the desensitization of allergy sufferers and for short-term immunotherapy.

effect

The clinical efficacy of the allergoids has been shown in a number of placebo-controlled studies for individual important inhalation allergens. The better tolerability usually makes it possible to increase the dosage in the desensitization more quickly, so that fewer injections are necessary.

There are two phases in the desensitization of allergy sufferers: the increase phase, in which the dose of the allergen in the injection is increased each time, and the maintenance phase, in which this dose is continued to be injected at regular intervals. In the case of depigmented allergoids ( e.g. Depigoid , LETI Pharma), the increase phase can be reduced from up to 16 weeks to three weeks and thus the overall therapy can be greatly shortened.

However, comparative studies with allergoids and non-modified allergen extracts exist only sporadically. Many allergoids are not approved according to the guidelines of the Paul Ehrlich Institute .

Web links

• hautnah-dermatologie.de (PDF; 90 kB)

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Letter to the editor: Depigoids in specific immunotherapy. der-arzneimittelbrief.net, 2006; Retrieved March 22, 2012
2. ^ E Alvarez-Cuesta et al .: Immunotherapy with depigmented glutaraldehyde-polymerized extracts: changes in quality of life . In: Clin Exp Allergy , 2005, 35, pp. 572-578
3. ↑ K. Kurz et al .: Ultra-Rush with depigmented allergoids . Abstract of the 77th annual meeting of the German Society for Ear, Nose and Throat Medicine, Head and Neck Surgery e. V. (May 24 to May 28, 2006 in Mannheim)
4. ↑ A complete overview can be found on the Internet pages of the Paul Ehrlich Institute.

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !