Translation of experimental immunotherapy

The continuing exploration of new strategies for allergen immunotherapy in mouse models raises the need to consider the obstacles encountered in clinical translation. In this issue Korotchenko et al. report that ovalbumin conjugated with the glycan laminarin markedly ameliorated allergic responses induced by ovalbumin when delivered by laser facilitated epicutaneous application (1). The conjugation targeted the allergen to the C-type lectin like receptor Dectin-1 on dendritic cells and reduced the IgE-binding capacity of the allergen without affecting its ability to induce IgG blocking antibody. Pre-existing respiratory allergy was markedly ameliorated and adverse local reactions produced by unconjugated allergen did not occur. Adding a new dimension, the laser delivery lessened the stimulation of the IgE antibody induced by the therapy, a hallmark of human subcutaneous immunotherapy that was found in parallel experiments with the model.