"The vaccine targets an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is bound to immune cells in the body's tissues and circulates in small amounts in the blood. Immune cells also produce IgE in response to proteins found on potential threats, including viruses, toxic substances and parasites such as worms and blood flukes ( Schistosoma haematobium). The antibody tells the body to release histamine, which triggers symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and hives."
"The vaccine triggers the production of antibodies that bind to IgE and stop it from binding to immune-cell receptors. That leaves less IgE available for generating an immune response after exposure to an allergen. The findings are an "exciting proof of concept" that a vaccine can trigger the production of antibodies against IgE, says Mimi Tang, an allergy and immunology researcher at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia."
An experimental vaccine induced production of antibodies that target immunoglobulin E (IgE) and protected genetically modified mice from severe allergic reactions for up to a year. The vaccine binds circulating and cell-bound IgE, preventing IgE from attaching to immune-cell receptors and reducing histamine-triggering responses. IgE normally arises in response to proteins from viruses, toxins and parasites and mediates symptoms like coughing, wheezing, hives and potentially fatal anaphylaxis. The vaccine functions similarly to the monoclonal antibody therapy omalizumab but could provide longer-lasting protection than biweekly injections. The approach remains at an early preclinical stage.
Read at Nature
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