A new type of DNA vaccine technology could be enhanced with an electric charge during vaccination to help prevent dust mite allergies.

The finding was published in Immunology Letters and details how a new type of DNA vaccine is effective in mice against dust mite allergies. Additionally, it reveals that its efficacy is significantly increased when an electric charge is given at the site of vaccination – a method called electroporation.

Over 20% of people from developed nations are allergic to house dust mites. Dust mites are found in:

  • people’s homes
  • eating dead skin cells
  • excreting proteins

These proteins result in an overreaction by the immune system and cause allergic outcomes like asthma, rhinitis, and dermatitis.

Vaccines that are therapeutic with components of house dust mites have been explored previously, but because they are not purified they have the potential to cause new allergies to other substances. Additionally, the treatment consists of 50 to 80 injections over a two to five year period.

Current DNA vaccines against allergies function by encoding certain proteins that result in allergies. Lab tests have shown promise, however, these DNA vaccines have not been successful to date in humans and primates – especially when given by regular injection.

The new study analyses three changes to the traditional DNA vaccine:

  • the kind of DNA scaffolding or “backbone” used.
  • the method of injection
  • the dose of DNA

Outcomes revealed that the dose and the backbone type did not have a notable influence on the effectiveness of the vaccine. Additionally, using electroporation to give the vaccine greatly improved its effectiveness.

The investigators vaccinated groups of mice with low doses of DNA and examined whether they subsequently developed an allergy to house dust mites. Those that were given electroporation did not become allergic.

The authors believe that the results suggest that the strong response to the DNA vaccine and the prevention of allergies in mice is a stepping stone to start with the vaccine in a clinical trial setting. Electroporation may be an effective method to decrease the dose and frequency of vaccines needed to prevent allergies in humans.

In 2009, a study conducted in Vietnam revealed that gut worms – like hookworm – can help in the prevention and treatment of allergies such as asthma home dust mite allergies.

Written by Kelly Fitzgerald