A Hybrid Expressing Genetically Engineered Major Allergens of the <i>Parietaria</i> Pollen as a Tool for Specific Allergy Vaccination

<i>Background:</i> Allergy is an immunological disorder affecting about 25% of the population living in the industrialized countries. Specific immunotherapy is the only treatment with a long-lasting relief of allergic symptoms and able to reduce the risk of developing new allergic sensitizations and inhibiting the development of clinical asthma in children treated for allergic rhinitis. <i>Methods:</i> By means of DNA recombinant technology, we were able to design a head to tail dimer expressing disulphide bond variants of the major allergen of the <i>Parietaria </i>pollen. IgE binding activity was studied by Western blot, ELISA inhibition assays and the …