In this study, DNA vaccines based on alphaviral replicases (DNA replicons) were evaluated with respect to their protective and therapeutic capacity for treatment of type I allergy. DNA replicons display specific danger signals and offer an excellent safety profile based on apoptotic elimination of transfected host cells thereby preventing undesirable long-term expression of the transfected gene. Using the model allergen beta-Galactosidase in a protective approach, the results showed that a replicase-based DNA vaccine can induce a comparable immune response at a more than 1000-fold lower dose...