Interní Med. 2017; 19(2): 78-81 | DOI: 10.36290/int.2017.013

Allergen immunotherapy – an update

doc. MUDr. Vít Petrů, CSc.

Alergologie a klinická imunologie, Synlab Czech s. r. o., Praha

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is the only causal form of long-term treatment for patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, allergic

asthma, or stinging insect allergy. The precise mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of AIT remain a matter of research

and debate of experts. An effect on regulatory T cells seems most probable and is associated with switching of allergen-specific

B cells toward IgG4 antibody production.

AIT has been demonstrated to reduce symptoms associated withs seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. In

contrast to pharmacotherapies, AIT also provides the benefit of inducing allergen tolerance, which results in long-lasting symptom

relief for ap to several years after treatment is completed. Sublingual immunotherapy tablets (grass or house dust mites) are an

oral alternative to subcutaneous immunotherapy. The last year was published new evidence for the disease-modifying effect of

tablet form of AIT. This therapy can modify the course of allergic disease by reducing the risk of new allergic sensitizations and

inhibiting the development of clinical asthma in patients treated for allergic rhinitis.

AIT is only occasionally recommended for the treatment of atopic eczema as evidence of its effectiveness is limited, although

recently published studies have shown good results in some patients. Evidence that food allergy can be controlled in this way is

very limited, although research is ongoing.

Keywords: allergy, allergen immunotherapy

Published: April 1, 2017  Show citation