The polysaccharide Pullulan improves the initial steps of allergen-specific immunotherapy in dogs.

Pullulan adjuvant enhanced initial AIT responses in atopic dogs, warranting further investigation.

This prospective randomized study evaluated the safety and efficacy of Pullulan, an immunomodulatory polysaccharide, as an adjuvant to allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) in 26 client-owned dogs with atopic dermatitis sensitized to Dermatophagoides farinae. Three treatment groups received either conventional subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) with dust mite extract, SCIT with dust mite extract plus Pullulan (pSCIT), or Allermmune HDM (Pullulan-recombinant Der f 2) over 14 weeks. Clinical outcomes were assessed using CADESI scores, pruritus visual analogue scale, and medication scores. Results demonstrated significantly decreased CADESI scores in both Pullulan-containing groups (Allermmune and pSCIT) compared with conventional SCIT alone, with no significant differences in pruritus or medication requirements between groups. No safety concerns were reported. The findings suggest Pullulan may enhance AIT efficacy independent of allergen source type. However, limitations include small sample size, lack of placebo control, short follow-up duration, and absence of blinded outcome assessment, necessitating larger controlled studies with extended follow-up periods.

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