Profound reduction in allergen sensitivity following treatment with a novel allergy vaccine.

A novel approach is described for the treatment of IgE-mediated allergic reactions which is based on the induction of a strong anti-IgE response in the host. Vaccination of ovalbumin-sensitized rats with constant domains two and three of rat IgE coupled to a heterologous carrier protein resulted in a profound decrease in serum levels of IgE, and later in a nearly complete block of histamine release from mast cells and basophils upon challenge with either a cross-linking polyclonal anti-IgE antiserum or a specific allergen.