Anti-allergen monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of allergies

Abstract

Background: To tackle the growing allergy epidemic, novel therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. One promising avenue is the development of anti-allergen antibody therapies. This passive immunization approach stands out from traditional allergen immunotherapy by not exposing patients to the allergen but also by potentially treating patients who are less responsive or even unresponsive to allergen immunotherapies and providing immediate protection. Methods: After a review of historical and recently published literature on the topic of anti-allergen antibodies, the status quo and recent advancements are presented. Anti-allergen antibody therapies in the context of immunological changes that occur during allergen immunotherapy are also discussed. Results: While the protective role of anti-allergen antibodies was recognized decades ago, the advancement of antibody discovery technologies has fueled the field, and now different anti-allergen antibody therapies are approaching clinical use. These developments have also broadened our understanding of the allergens and allergenic epitopes responsible in different allergic diseases, and also the role played by immunoglobulins in shaping the immune system. Conclusion: The development of anti-allergen antibody therapies offers great potential for the treatment of allergies. Of interest, the efficacy of passive immunization approaches will likely extend beyond allergen neutralization as in the presence of the allergen they might contribute to long-lasting disease modification.