Assessment of skin reactivity by skin prick tests to synthetic peptides derived from the major birch allergen bet v 1, in subjects allergic to birch pollen.

The study tested - all by skin tests - in the same group of 20 trial subjects, one positive control (histamine solution), one negative control (placebo saline) and five experimental peptides called T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5. Results of the skin prick tests were scored as negative (no reaction) or positive (wheal diameter > 4 mm with erythema)

Inclusion Criteria:

• history of allergy symptoms during previous birch pollen season
• positive skin prick test to birch pollen extract

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy
• uncontrolled asthma
• other significant clinical conditions or immune disorders
• subjects taking antihistamines or drugs with antihistamine activity