Allergen immunotherapy in allergic asthma

Abstract

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is a specific treatment consisting of repeated administration of allergens with the aim of inducing immunological tolerance. It comprises two subtypes: subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). According to multiple studies, AIT improves the clinical symptoms, reduces airway hyperresponsiveness, improves asthma control and reduces the need for inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). In addition, this therapy is able to suppress sensitization to new allergens, and if given to patients with allergic rhinitis may even prevent the development of asthma. The effects caused by AIT may be visible for at least several years, even after the therapy has ended (Nakagome et al., 2021).