Novel Therapy for Allergic Disease through Gene silencing of CD40
Allergic diseases caused by excessive Th2 response are widespread all over the world 1-4. Despite the increased understanding of the pathophysiology of allergic responses, current therapy remains nonspecific and targets late events within the allergic cascade. Therefore, a novel approach that addresses upstream causative events is highly desired.
ToleroTech developed a new therapy for allergic diseases through gene silencing using siRNA. siRNA treatment can remarkably reduce nasal allergic symptoms, and decrease nasal eosinophilia. The allergen-specific T cell response is inhibited while allergen-specific IgE is significantly decreased after siRNA treatment. Furthermore, suppressed IL-4 and IL-5 productions were observed in the siRNA treated mice. Thus, siRNA demonstrates highly potential for the treatment of allergic diseases.
