- Country: TAIWAN
- Official Title: 副研究員
- Department: 臺中榮民總醫院醫學研究部
Speech Title
Molecular Characterization of Local Allergens and Specific Immunotherapy 本土過敏原的分子鑑定及專一性免疫治療的應用
Our research has been working on the molecular and immunologic characterization of major local allergens to design better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for allergic diseases. Atopic march is defined as the development of atopic dermatitis in early childhood. We recently developed an atopic march mouse model through skin sensitization with aeroallergens from house dust mites and cockroaches. Using this model, we evaluated the oral immunotherapy efficacy of Lactococcus lactis harboring specific antigens on the progression of atopic march. Dust mite major allergen Der p 2 and cockroach Per a 2-372 were expressed in L. lactis as a fusion recombinant clone (D2P2). L. lactis-D2P2 was administered intragastrically to aeroallergen patch-sensitized mice once a day for a total of 35 times. Our data showed that L. lactis-D2P2 significantly lowered total immunoglobulin E levels, decreased scratch bouts, and relieved airway hyperresponsiveness compared with the control mice. Histological analysis of the skin and lung tissue demonstrated the therapeutic effects of L. lactis-D2P2 to modulate immune responses via decreased eosinophil infiltration and reduced expression of key cytokines, interleukin (IL)-31 and IL-13, respectively. A notable advantage of this vaccine is that it can be given orally, and thus self-administration at home would be feasible. This data has acquired a patent right in Taiwan. Further applications in human clinical trials will progress for potential use in the early prevention of allergies.