Allergy immunotherapy: the future of allergy treatment

Abstract

Allergic respiratory disease represents a significant and expanding health problem worldwide. Allergic symptoms, such as asthma and hay fever, cause sleep impairment and reduce school and work performance. The cost to society is substantial. Allergen avoidance and pharmacotherapy cannot control the disease. Only allergy immunotherapy has disease-modifying potential and should be included in optimal treatment strategies. Allergy immunotherapy was first administered as subcutaneous injections and has been practiced for the past 100 years or so. Recently, tablet-based sublingual allergy immunotherapy (SLIT) was introduced with comprehensive clinical documentation. SLIT tablets represent a more patient-friendly concept because they can be used for self-treatment at home.

Cinnamaldehyde derivatives inhibit degranulation and inflammatory mediator production in rat basophilic leukemia cells

“…The prevalence of allergic diseases, such as atopic dermatitis and asthma, has become an important health problem worldwide, causing poor quality of life in children and adults [1][2][3][4]. Therefore, it is important to identify new therapeutic agents with application in the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.…”

Present and Future of Subcutaneous Aero-Allergen Immunotherapy

“…The genetic predisposition to develop IgE-mediated sensitivity to common aero-allergens is the strongest predicting factor for the development of both diseases [5]. Facts are supported by the concept of unifying the management of these disorders.…”

“…Allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies interrupt allergen presentation to Th2 cells and, in addition, block allergen-induced activation of mast cells and basophils, thereby significantly weakening the allergic reaction [5]. Although multiple factors contribute, it could be supposed that the tolerant state of specific cells essentially results from increased IL-10 secretion [38].…”

“…IgG4 and probably IgG1 compete with IgE on the surface of mast cells and basophils for allergen binding [37]. They produce interleukin IL-10 and transforming growth factor TGF-β, and have the potential to suppress local Th2 cell responses and redirect antibody class switching in favour of IgG4 (IL10 isotype switch factor), and IgA (TGF-β isotype switch factor) [5].…”

Ragweed Pollen Allergy: Burden, Characteristics, and Management of an Imported Allergen Source in Europe

“…In the case of ragweed pollen allergy, symptom control can be reached in less than 50% of the patients using conventional therapies [88]. Moreover, symptomatic treatment cannot impact the underlying immune mechanisms of allergy, and consequently cannot change the course of disease [89]. The pros and cons of common symptomatic medication and of AIT are listed in Table 2.…”