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Proof of concept of the preventive efficacy of high‐dose recombinant mono‐allergen immunotherapy in atopic dogs sensitized to the Dermatophagoides farinae allergen Der f 2
Author(s) -
Olivry Thierry,
Paps Judy S.,
Dunston Stanley M.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
veterinary dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.744
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1365-3164
pISSN - 0959-4493
DOI - 10.1111/vde.12395
Subject(s) - medicine , allergen , placebo , immunoglobulin e , immunotherapy , ragweed , immunology , serology , allergen immunotherapy , allergy , antibody , immune system , pathology , alternative medicine
Background Allergen immunotherapy is currently the only intervention proposed to specifically prevent clinical flares after allergen challenges. The low molecular weight Der f 2 (Df2) is a major allergen in Japanese dogs sensitized to Dermatophagoides farinae house dust mites. Objectives Pilot, blinded, placebo‐controlled experiment testing the efficacy of subcutaneous immunotherapy ( SCIT ) with high doses of recombinant Df2 conjugated to the maltotriose pullulan (r D f2‐P). Methods Eight Maltese beagle atopic dogs were sensitized to r D f2 then randomized to SCIT with r D f2‐P (six dogs) or placebo (two). The immunotherapy consisted of six weekly injections of increasing doses (0.1–10.0 μg) of r D f2‐P followed by four monthly injections of 10 μg of this allergen. Epicutaneous r D f2 challenges, r D f2‐specific IgE serology and intradermal reactivity, as well as serum cytokine level measurements, were performed throughout the study. Results Subcutaneous injections of placebo did not alter the cutaneous reactivity after r D f2 challenge, while that of the dogs treated with r D f2‐P SCIT disappeared in five of six dogs (83%) and was reduced in one of six (17%). During SCIT maintenance, skin lesion scores were significantly lower in dogs receiving SCIT compared to those treated with placebo. This clinical improvement was accompanied by a concurrent, yet not significant, decrease in r D f2‐specific IgE serology and immediate intradermal reactivity. Cytokine serum levels were inconclusive. There were no adverse events seen with r D f2‐P SCIT. Conclusions and clinical importance The new mono‐allergen SCIT appears safe and effective for reducing skin lesions after allergen challenges; it deserves further testing in dogs with spontaneous atopic dermatitis.