BACKGROUND: Allergic diseases are a significant global health care problem. Current pharmacological approaches address symptoms but do not alter the underlying immune dysregulation. Current allergen-specific immunotherapy has several drawbacks. Therefore, approaches that attenuate allergic responses safely and effectively at the level of upstream causative events are desirable. Oligonuleotide-based therapies [CpG DNA, antisense oligonucleotides, and small interfering RNA (siRNA)] are promising approaches. OBJECTIVE/ METHODS: We review developments in oligonucleotide-based therapies and the potential of siRNA for treating allergy. RESULTS/ CONCLUSIONS: Strategies with oligonucleotides basically aim to reduce T helper type 2 (Th2) responses. It is controversial whether the reduction of Th2 responses does, in fact, attenuate allergic diseases. Increased understanding of allergic mechanisms will enhance the efficacy of oligonucleotide-based therapy.
BACKGROUND:Allergic diseases are a significant global health care problem. Current pharmacological approaches address symptoms but do not alter the underlying immune dysregulation. Current allergen-specific immunotherapy has several drawbacks. Therefore, approaches that attenuate allergic responses safely and effectively at the level of upstream causative events are desirable. Oligonuleotide-based therapies [CpG DNA, antisense oligonucleotides, and small interfering RNA (siRNA)] are promising approaches. OBJECTIVE/ METHODS: We review developments in oligonucleotide-based therapies and the potential of siRNA for treating allergy. RESULTS/ CONCLUSIONS: Strategies with oligonucleotides basically aim to reduce T helper type 2 (Th2) responses. It is controversial whether the reduction of Th2 responses does, in fact, attenuate allergic diseases. Increased understanding of allergic mechanisms will enhance the efficacy of oligonucleotide-based therapy.
Authors: D Hinz; G Seumois; A M Gholami; J A Greenbaum; J Lane; B White; D H Broide; V Schulten; J Sidney; P Bakhru; C Oseroff; E Wambre; E A James; W W Kwok; B Peters; P Vijayanand; A Sette Journal: Clin Exp Allergy Date: 2016-05 Impact factor: 5.018