Biological characterization of a formulated allergoid from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.

A comparative study between the biological properties of the allergen Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) and its formulated allergoid (DpHCHO) was performed. After immunizing rats with Dp or DpHCHO the serum level time course of IgE and IgG was determined by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and indirect-ELISA, respectively. The avidity for IgE (PCA and PCA-inhibition) or IgG (indirect ELISA and ELISA inhibition) and the ability to induce anaphylactic shock were also determined. Serum IgE pattern differs between Dp and DpHCHO while IgG levels were greater after DpHCHO. The allergoid has lost the ability to bind IgE while its avidity for IgG falls 5-6 times. The allergoid, but not the allergen, fails to induce anaphylactic shock. A schedule for assaying the biological characteristics of allergoids is presented.