TITLE:
Considerations for Combining High-Protease Extracts in Immunotherapy Vaccines
AUTHORS:
Carol M. Lilley, Donna J. Rekkerth, Brian F. Teske
KEYWORDS:
Immunotherapy; Allergen; Extract; Compatibility; Protease
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Nursing,
Vol.4 No.4,
April
9,
2014
ABSTRACT:
Current practice parameters
state that extracts rich in proteases, such as fungal and insect extracts, can
be combined during preparation of allergy immunotherapy vaccines. However,
until recently, this guideline has not been the subject of investigation.
Scientists now have data that shed light on high-protease allergenic extract
mixtures used in allergy immunotherapy. A study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology in 2012 reports on the compatibility of combining
fungal and insect extracts and emphasizes the importance of understanding how
protease activities and total glycerin levels in allergy extracts can affect
the stability of allergy immunotherapy vaccine mixtures. This research provides
a critical assessment of the mixing compatibilities of several well-characterized
high-protease extracts and may influence future immunotherapy practice
parameters and immunotherapy extract preparation guidelines.