Sublingual immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis: an update

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has progressively gained credibility. Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials, meta-analyses and mechanistic studies have accumulated rapidly in the last years. We will review herein a brief history of SLIT, its indications and the safety aspects and will discuss the main unmet needs and the points to be developed in the field.

During the last year, new information on SLIT has become available, mainly from the so-called big trials, and some important aspects have been partially clarified. In addition, the possible indications to SLIT began to be expanded.

The dose dependency of the efficacy of SLIT and the optimal maintenance dose have been identified at least for grass allergens. The safety is well demonstrated in both adults and children.