Present and future possibilities of immunotherapy

Abstract

Our department has had the personal and substantial conditions necessary for allergological activity since 2007. Allergen-specific immunotherapy or desensitization as an extremely effective therapy is accepted for the treatment of patients with allergic diseases. Clinical efficacy is based on well-defined immunological mechanism that promotes the activation of regulatory Treg cells and reduces the immune response induced by allergens. The clinical indications are well documented. Wasp and bee venom injection immunotherapy in case of severe, systemic symptoms after exposure is absolutely indicated. In case of respiratory allergies (allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and/or allergic asthma), pollen and dust mite sensitization, oral and subcutaneous immunotherapy is recommended if clinical symptoms are severe or the allergen can not be avoided or drug therapy is not able to control allergy’ symptoms. The authors describe the desensitization methods used in their everyday practice, as well as review on the immunotherapies that are still in research phase.