Project

Supramolecular peptide amphiphile nanoparticles as a novel allergy vaccine platform

Bet v1, the major allergen in birch pollen, is one of the main causes of allergies such as asthma and rhino-conjunctivitis. Additionally, it is the main cause of birch pollen allergy in humans. Currently birch pollen allergy is treated by applying allergen-specific subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT); an extract of the whole allergen is co-administered with an aluminium based adjuvant. This is an invasive and intensive therapy, requiring monthly injections for 3 to 5 years. 

In my project we work with recombinant Bet v1 (rBet v1), which has shown to be as immunogenic as birch pollen extract. To improve the immune response, rBet v1 will be encapsulated in a variety of particulate systems. The immunogenicity of these rBet v1-containing particles in relation with their physico-chemical properties will be analysed. Finally, we aim to develop a new, better birch pollen allergy vaccine for SCIT.