Immunostimulatory sequences of DNA and conjugates in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Therapeutic strategies based on the use of immunostimulatory sequences of DNA containing a CpG motif (also known as ISS DNA, or CpG DNA) are focused on minimizing the allergenicity of immunotherapy while improving its effectiveness. Several ISS DNA-based methods of immunization (ISS DNA alone, ISS DNA conjugated to a protein allergen) have shown promise in animal models of asthma, and some of these ISS DNA-based therapies have entered clinical trials. These ongoing clinical trials will help to determine whether any of these ISS DNA-based therapies are safe and effective to use in subjects with allergic rhinitis and asthma.