View clinical trials related to Birch Pollen Allergy.
Filter by:The primary aim of this trial is to evaluate the dose-response relationship for the ALK tree AIT administered once daily in order to define a dose-range that would be suitable for at-home administration.
The objectives of this monocentric investigator initiated exploratory clinical trial is to optimize allergen delivery across the epidermal barrier. The cornified outer epidermal layers represent the main barrier towards entry into the viable epidermal layers. In the latter we aim to target the allergen for uptake by professional antigen presenting cells, called Langerhans cells. At the same time as little allergen as possible should be delivered to the dermis. The latter contains a high density of sensitized mast cells eliciting local reactions and also a high density of blood vessels which could lead to systemic distribution of allergen and therefore to systemic allergic reactions. In birch pollen allergic individuals we will compare different methods of preparing the skin before application of the allergen. We will subsequently apply titrated allergen doses to the prepared skin areas to determine at which dose we start observing mast cell degranulation manifesting as hives. This will allow for determination of the maximal tolerated allergen dose for each skin preparation method. The skin preparation methods compared will be: - Single pricking with prick lancet (Entaco LTD., Redditch, Worcestershire, UK, distributed by Stallergenes®). - Tape stripping with conventional adhesive Tape (Tesa-film®). - Microchanneling with Micro Needle Patch (Micro Skin System, 3M®). The methods are strongly connected to routine diagnostics of allergies with low risk associated. The clinical trial protocol has been submitted to the local Ethics Committee. This comparison of skin preparation methods and the determination of the maximal tolerated allergen dose will help us to further improve epicutaneous allergen immunotherapy, which has the potential to make allergen specific immunotherapy not only considerably shorter and safer, but also more convenient for patients. Skin preparation by microneedle patches is significantly less painful than conventional injection and can be self administered. This should help improve the acceptance of allergen specific immunotherapy, as well as treatment compliance.
More than 70% of birch pollen allergic patients suffer from allergic reactions to certain foods, e.g. stone fruits, hazelnut and some vegetables. However, specific immunotherapy (SIT) with birch pollen extract is not effective for the treatment of associated food allergy in a substantial number of patients. Based on our previous clinical and immunological investigations of birch pollen related food allergy (BPRFA) the investigators hypothesize that for effective SIT of this abundant food allergy the disease-eliciting food allergens should be employed. To prove this concept, the investigators aim to sublingually administer the major apple allergen, Mal d 1, to birch pollen-allergic patients with concomitant apple allergy and evaluate clinical and immunological effects of this treatment. The investigators choose Mal d 1 as model food allergen because (i) its cross-reactivity with Bet v 1 has been well characterized,(ii) apple is the most frequent trigger for BPRFA and (iii) recombinant(r)Mal d 1 was well tolerated after sublingual administration to 20 birch pollen-allergic patients in a previous study. Sublingual administration of a defined concentration of GMP-rMal d 1 will be compared with equal doses of GMP-rBet v 1 as a positive control and placebo-treatment. Clinical parameters will include skin prick tests (SPT) and objective and subjective assessment of apple and birch pollen-induced allergic symptoms. Immunological parameters will comprise the analysis of antibody and T cell responses to Mal d 1 and Bet v 1 as well as the evaluation of basophil activation. The proposed pilot study will be a first investigation of the concept to specifically treat BPRFA with the involved food allergens and thus, represents an important step in the development of an efficient and safe therapy in the future.
In vitro studies reveal immunomodulatory effects of probiotic bacteria that are strain-dependent. Differential immunomodulatory in vitro capacities can not be extrapolated directly to in vivo efficacy. Thus, in vitro screening should be followed by comparative analysis of the selected immunomodulatory probiotic strains in an in vivo setting. Birch pollen allergy is one of the most common forms of respiratory allergy in European countries, and recognized by a Th2-skewed immune system. Five Lactobacillus strains will be evaluated for their immunomodulatory properties in birch pollen sensitive subjects outside the hay fever season. A double-blind placebo-controlled parallel study will be performed in which subjects with a proven birch pollen allergy will consume one of 5 different probiotic yoghurts containing 4 L. plantarum strains and 1 L. casei strain or a placebo yoghurt. Blood samples are collected at the start and after 4 weeks. Immune parameters are determined in serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures (hPBMC) derived from these subjects.
Objective of the study is to show, on an exploratory basis, that treatment with SUBLIVAC Birch is also effective compared to treatment with Staloral Birch by means of reduction in allergic symptoms during nasal provocation in subjects suffering from IgE mediated allergic complaints triggered by birch pollen.
Safety and efficacy of recombinant birch pollen allergen in the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
Specific immunotherapy with recombinant birch pollen allergen rBet v1-FV