Novel Strategies for Allergy Immunotherapy

Abstract

This article reviews the literature on allergen modifications and novel routes of delivery for antigen-specific immunotherapy for allergic disease. Allergen modifications include the use of recombinant proteins, combining antigens with infectious carrier proteins, peptide immunotherapy, and genetic vaccines containing the code for allergenic proteins. Novel routes of delivery include oral immunotherapy, intralymphatic immunotherapy, epicutaneous immunotherapy, and oral mucosal immunotherapy. Allergen depot preparations, such as biodegradable, injectable microspheres and sublingual tablets, have also been developed. Current research in immunotherapy for allergic disease has focused on improving efficacy and patient adherence to therapy, while minimizing the risks of serious adverse events.