A novel ferritin-based nanoparticle vaccine targeting lgE confers protection against chronic allergic asthma in a murine model

Background Allergic asthma is a major global health concern owing to its high prevalence and substantial socioeconomic burden. It is characterized by elevated levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), which plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of allergic disorders. Therapeutic anti-IgE antibodies, including omalizumab, have emerged as a validated strategy for the management of IgE-mediated disorders. However, their clinical use requires repeated administration and remains costly. Here, we developed a nanoparticle-based anti-IgE vaccine by genetically fusing an IgE-derived epitope peptide to the N-terminus of a hybrid ferritin. Results The antigen was expressed in E.coli and purified to homogeneity. Preventive vaccination was conducted in a mouse model of chronic allergic asthma. High levels of anti-IgE antibodies were elicited and ameliorated key features of allergic asthma including the reduction in IgE levels, peribronchiolar inflammation, mucus production, and altered expression of inflammation-related genes. Conclusion The anti-IgE vaccine developed in this study has protective effects in allergic asthma mice, offering a promising translatable strategy for the prevention and treatment of chronic allergic asthma.