In vivo study proves: low-molecular, non-allergenic pollen compounds enhance the allergen-specific immune response in humans

April 7, 2016

A scientific team led by Dr. Stefanie Gilles, Dr. Isabelle Beck and Professor Claudia Traidl-Hoffmann (Member of the Board of Directors and Coordinator in Workpackage 1 of CK-CARE) from the university Department of Environmental Medicine, demonstrated in vivo the clinical relevance of low-molecular pollen compounds with the aid of skin prick tests and nasal provocation tests.

The researchers tested effects of allergens from birch and grass pollen with and without the addition of low-molecular pollen compounds
During the course of the study, skin prick tests and nasal provocation tests were performed on healthy and allergic subjects. Allergens from birch and grass pollen were used for the tests. The pollen allergens were prepared for testing either in a saline solution or with a low-molecular fraction of the pollen extract. The skin prick tests then produced a stronger allergic immune reaction (wheals, redness) when the low-molecular pollen fraction was added. In the nasal provocation tests, the low-molecular pollen compounds increased the local release of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and immunoglobulin E (IgE). Increased production of nasal discharge was observed in the study group in which the low-molecular pollen fraction was added. More severe runny nose and itchy eyes, an increased urge to sneeze and other intensified symptoms were also observed. Healthy subjects did not react measurably to the pollen compounds in the study  neither in prick tests on the skin nor in nasal provocation tests.

The results of the study might alter allergy diagnostics and allergen-specific immunotherapy
With this pilot study, the research team led by Gilles has done crucial groundwork for future clinical trials, which should investigate in more depth the effects of low-molecular, non-allergenic compounds from pollen. Non-allergenic compounds might be of clinical relevance, especially in allergy diagnostics and in allergen-specific immunotherapy (“hyposensitization”) because pollen extracts are currently being used in these areas. Whether these extracts currently in use contain pro-inflammatory substances and in what quantities has not yet been adequately investigated.

The Publikation entitled “Pollen derived low molecular compounds enhance the human allergen specific immune response in vivo”, which appeared on 04.2016 in the journal Clinical and Experimental Allergy, will therefore be significant for future clinical research in the allergy field.

Certification by the Swiss Biobanking Platform – VITA-Label

7. November 2022

Building up a proper Governance through accountable mechanisms is key to foster trustworthiness and the pre-requisite for the appropriate use of biological resources. Our CK-CARE Biobank has recently been awarded by Swiss Biobanking Platform (SBP) with the VITA Label, which demonstrates compliance with the applicable legal and ethical framework. This labelling approach is part of our long-term strategy to strengthen biobanking practices and provide high-quality samples to the research community.

CK-CARE Team Meeting October 10th- 11th, 2022

17. October 2022

This year’s CK-CARE team event in Davos focused on strengthening cross-center communication and collaboration. Our team members got to know each other and the canton of Grisons better by producing several Grisons specialties as “cross-center team building” in preparation for the scientific work. This as a goal to promote teamwork! Although there was no knowledge about the production of Graubünden delicacies, let alone anyone with appropriate skills, each team excelled in its own way. Driven by trust, respect and genuine motivation to solve the tasks set, the team members met the challenge of working together with fun and creativity as an important preparation for the following day’s research activities. It was a successful meeting – we look forward to many more.

Certification by the Swiss Biobanking Platform – OPTIMA-Label

9. June 2022

Davos BioSciences AG achieved the official OPTIMA label of the Swiss Biobanking Platform for its biobank infrastructure as of 30.05.2022. This is another important step for Davos BioSciences AG and CK-CARE. The label attests to the full implementation of a QM system. The OPTIMA-Label confirms: “Compliance with the Good Biobanking Practices; in particular OECD Best practice guidelines for biological resource centres (2007), ISBER Best practices (2018) and IARC Common minimum technical standards (2017). It follows established standards, including the ISO 20387:2018 – general requirements for biobanking. This certification approach is part of our long-term strategy to provide high-quality samples to the research community”.

Certification by the Swiss Biobanking Platform

9. June 2022

After some effort, Davos BioSciences AG achieved the official NORMA label of the Swiss Biobanking Platform for its biobank infrastructure as of 17.08.2021. This is an important step for Davos BioSciences AG and CK-CARE. The NORMA-Label confirms: “Compliance with professional standards is essential to perform our daily biobanking activities according to Good Biobanking Practices; in particular OECD Best practice guidelines for biological resource centres (2007), ISBER Best practices (2018) and IARC Common minimum technical standards (2017). It follows established standards, including the ISO 20387:2018 – general requirements for biobanking. This certification approach is part of our long-term strategy to provide high-quality samples to the research community”. Certificate of the Swiss Biobanking Plattform

Claudio Rhyner, PhD appointed as the new Managing Director

26. November 2021

On 1 October 2020, Claudio Rhyner succeeded Dr. Georg Schäppi as Managing Director of CK-CARE. Georg Schäppi was appointed CEO at the University Children’s Hospital Zurich as of 1 December, 2020.

Claudio Rhyner was born and grew up in Davos. After studying chemistry and molecular biology, he graduated specialising in asthma and allergy research. He was active in fundamental scientific research, including as head of the research “Vaccine Development” group at the SIAF (Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research). In this capacity he published numerous publications and filed several patents. After holding a leading position in a SME in molecular diagnostics, he became CEO of Biosciences Davos. Biosciences Davos is a spin-off organisation of CK-CARE in the field of biobanking and is part of the Medizincampus Davos. He continues to hold this position.

In his private life, Claudio Rhyner is actively engaged in politics and culture in the Davos community. He also completed a postgraduate degree in the field of management of small and medium-sized companies at the University St. Gallen.

Atopic dermatitis: an expanding therapeutic pipeline for a complex disease

22. August 2021

Our founder, Prof. Thomas Bieber, published an important contribution in the treatment of AD:

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease with a complex pathophysiology that underlies a wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes. AD remains challenging to treat owing to the limited response to available therapies. However, recent advances in understanding of disease mechanisms have led to the discovery of novel potential therapeutic targets and drug candidates

In addition to regulatory approval for the IL-4Ra inhibitor dupilumab, the anti-IL-13 inhibitor tralokinumab and the JAK1/2 inhibitor baricitinib in Europe, there are now more than 70 new compounds in development. This Review assesses the various strategies and novel agents currently being investigated for AD and highlights the potential for a precision medicine approach to enable prevention and more effective long-term control of this complex disease.